The ability to help people in a specific way that makes them feel comfortable, peaceful, and secure when a lot of them are experiencing one of the most difficult days of their lives. When a patient says 'I’m so glad you’re here' it makes it all worth it.
My inspiration
I was going to college, as a biology major, with no real plan, when I had a life changing conversation with an old friend and she told me she was a nurse assistant. I didn’t even know that job existed, but it had good hours and it paid well. So I got trained and started working in a nursing home and fell in love with people. I had always been in the service industry as a waitress or bartender, and I had a brain for science, but nursing never crossed my mind as a career that could include both.
I work in a practice that sees patients in the office as well as in the hospital. It is great that I am able to follow them along the continuum of care.
What a typical work shift is like for me
I work 4 days a week, and 10-hour days. I see patients in the office with and without the attending MD, as well as round in the adjacent hospital with the MD. Most common activities are H&P, physical exam, EKG interpretation, diagnostic imaging review, and medication management.
Self-care is key. Always take time for yourself. If you are unwell, you won't be able to perform your duties and then you become overwhelmed and the quality of care suffers.”
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Executive Producer -
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RNCCRN-KMSNCPNCNLManager of Clinical Quality and Care Management, Visiting Nurse and Hospice for New Hampshire and Vermont (VNH), Dartmouth Hitchcock Health -
