Q:
What inspired you to become a nurse?
A:
While on the pre-med track I was selected for an internship at a local hospital and spent my summer following the nursing staff in a high-risk OB unit. I loved the relationships that were built between nurses and patients. The nurses spent a great deal of time ensuring that patients went home understanding their plan of care. There was also such a sense of camaraderie—these people were more than co-workers - they were a family. I walked away with a new understanding and admiration for nurses.
Q:
What do you love most about being a nurse?
A:
I LOVE the teamwork. I have been privileged to work alongside teams that have become like family to me. Our profession is unique in the fact that we spend so much time together. The bonds you will build in nursing are oftentimes unbreakable.
Q:
What’s a typical day like for you as a nurse manager?
A:
I typically work five days a week, but my hours can vary. It is of great importance to me that I connect with my staff on both shifts. I will often alternate my schedule between 8 hour days and 8 hour nights to ensure that my team feels supported and that I have a relationship with every member of my team.
I spend my mornings with the patients in my unit, congratulating them on the birth of their new baby and to ensure that their experience has been amazing. I also monitor budget and patient satisfaction scores on a daily basis to ensure we are on target.
I love to celebrate my staff and over the past six months, we have experienced a great deal of change. In addition to opening up a new women’s hospital, doubling our deliveries and doubling the size of our staff, we also moved to a new model of care, combining postpartum and nursery units into a mother-baby (couplet care) model.
Overall, my job is fast-paced and I wouldn’t have it any other way! I love that each day brings a whole new set of challenges and opportunities. I learn every single day I am at work and I never plan to stop!
Q:
What’s your advice for someone just starting out as a nurse?
A:
Approach the way you practice nursing with an open mind. Never lose your sense of curiosity and will to learn Never give up on a patient. Nursing is a team sport. Find yourself a mentor.
Q:
How do you balance work and life as a nurse?
A:
Despite my busy work schedule, I make an effort to work out at least 3-4 times per week and I discuss the importance of healthy lifestyle choices within our staff meetings.
