"I love providing basic care such as having conversations with patients, comfort care and active listening, I believe this helps with the overall healing process."
My inspiration
My mother's experience with hospitalization for open heart surgery inspired me to continue my journey in deciding a role as a healthcare provider. I wanted to provide the best care for patients, that I would want given to myself and loved ones.
What a typical work shift is like for me
I work 12-hour shifts. My assignments include direct bedside care up to and including venous access, medication administration, and hand-off reports to patients who have been admitted or transferred outside of the emergency department. I discharge patients, provide education, handle laboratory specimens and coordinate care with physicians, social workers and auxiliary staff that all work as a team to provide patient care plans.
My advice for someone starting out
"As a new nurse, always use your resources and approach patient care with a prospective plan. Have a systematic approach that is evidence based, actively listen to your patients and educate them about their stay in your care."
How I balance work and life
Always know when to draw the limit on work. In order to care for your patients, you must care for yourself first. I make time to exercise daily and eat nutritious whole foods that give me energy throughout the day.
Tess
More inspiration
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Executive Producer -
RNCCRN-KMSNCPNCNLManager of Clinical Quality and Care Management, Visiting Nurse and Hospice for New Hampshire and Vermont (VNH), Dartmouth Hitchcock Health -
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RNMSBSNInsights Research Associate, Cambridge Design Partnership, and Staff Nurse II, WakeMed Cary ICU