What is your current position? How did you come to be in this position?
I am currently a registered nurse on a cardiopulmonary rehabilitation unit. I graduated in May 2010 and began my job search when I passed my NCLEX in July. I found this job opening through their website.
What are your roles and responsibilities?
I am responsible for medication administration (PO, IV, IM, SQ, etc), assistance with basic personal care needs, telemetry monitoring, blood glucose monitoring, and most importantly, support and encouragement through my patients rehabilitation journey.
What is the most fulfilling aspect of your job?
Seeing a normally grumpy patient smile at you, having a patient tell you their life story and memories, watching a patient advance through their rehabilitation, having a patient wake up in the morning and recognize me by name, etc. The “art” of nursing is what I love. I believe nursing is truly holistic care. Not only must nurses care for their patients medically, but also spiritually and emotionally.
What are the challenges of your current position?
Time management. Unfortunately, in the medical field, there is always the unexpected happening; your patients blood pressure drops, heart rate is too high, complains of pain, falls, difficulty breathing. All things like this require immediate attention and can really throw a nurse out of their rhythm of the day. It is very important to develop time management and organizational skills to make sure that all your work is completed on time, and that you are prepared for any emergencies that might happen.
What influenced you to go into nursing? What influenced you to choose this specialty?
I wanted a career where I could listen to people and make them feel better about themselves. I wanted to spend my life helping others and improving the lives of others. I knew nursing was the path to choose. I ultimately want to work in pediatrics, but I am learning a lot from my experience with cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation patients.
What degrees or certifications would you recommend a nursing school student interested in your specialty?
My position requires an RN license (BSN preferred). Experience is recommended, but not required. I began my career at New England Rehabilitation Hospital as a new-grad and they provided and orientation program for me. Once I began working it was strongly required that I become ACLS certified, a certification they provided on site.
What would you say to someone who is considering going into nursing?
There is no better career in the world. “A nurse is an angel is disguise”. Nursing requires a balance of a strong mentality and a soft and empathetic personality. Nursing school can be challenging, but stick with it! Practice time management, and remember to take some “you time” to relax.
What should someone graduating with a nursing degree expect in the next few years?
Expect to be challenged- mentally, physically, and emotionally. You will learn so much about yourself in the first few years of your career. You will work with difficult patients, difficult colleagues, but always remember why you chose nursing in the first place- to help others. Treat every patient as if they are a member of your family, and you will never fail. Mistakes will be made, but everything is a learning experience. Congratulations on such a wonderful and fulfilling career!
