Q:
What inspired you to become a nurse?
A:
To provide for my family. I love that I can help people and have a great career.
Q:
What do you love most about being a nurse?
A:
I love waking up every day and being able to help someone. I love helping people, it brings me great job satisfaction. I like that I am self supportive, and nursing has given me self-fulfillment and financial independence.
Q:
What do you do as a charge nurse?
A:
I manage the short term unit, oversee patients’ rehabilitation after illness or surgery, and also discharging them.
Q:
What does a typical day look like for you as a charge nurse?
A:
I work 7am to 3 pm, and I am in charge of my unit. My unit is a 40-bed subacute short-term rehab. I perform a wide variety of tasks during the day. I assign the patients to the staff and communicate with the doctor regarding the patients’ needs. I also perform nursing tasks as needed and assist the nurses in their clinical assessments. Additionally, I support the nurses and aides in a clinical aspect, while also attending interdisciplinary meetings with all members of the health care team. Lastly, I set up patient discharges and admissions provide education to patients and their families.
Q:
What’s your advice for someone just starting out as a nurse?
A:
I always tell them to be confident that the knowledge is there and if something doesn’t seem right then speak up.
Q:
How do you balance work and life as a nurse?
A:
Always leave work at the door, don’t bring it home.
