Looking for an RN to interview for school!!!

Hope this helps you out.

My name is Jennifer and I have been an RN since 2002:

1. What brought you into the field of nursing?

I was about 14 years old and watched a documentary on drug addicted babies in the NICU.

2. What keeps you actively practicing in the nursing profession?

I love being able to help people and if and when I need help I want caring people available to help me.

3. What are the greatest rewards/challenges in the profession of nursing?

Greatest rewards are the patients and their families. When I get a thank you or that sincere look from a patient, it's my greates reward. The greates challenges are dealing with difficult patients and/or family members. Work environment can also be a big challenge, specifically lack of CNA's to assist and high patient load.

4. What changes have you seen in the nursing profession over the span of your career?

There have been many changes in my short RN career. Staffing levels have bobbled back and forth. In 2003 our patient loads were very high. In 2004-2008 staffing levels were very good. Since last year are staffing levels are horrible. Sometimes we only have 3 nurses and 1 aide caring for 25 patients.

5. What changes would you like to see?

There are numerous changes, but I feel the most important are the staffing levels. It tends to burn one out if I am not able to have the proper time to spend with the patients or the tools I need.

6. What advice can you offer a student entering nursing school?

You must be very dedicated in wanted to become a nurse. During my nursing school days All I did was school, study and some sleep when I was lucky. So if you are not dedicated and truely have the desire to become a nurse, you won't survive nursing school. One last thing is do not do med-surg for a few years before you specialize, you'll never get into the area you want cause you're no longer a new grad and you wont have the experience. You can keep that part for yourself. Just a tip.

7. What advice can you offer a new nurse entering the profession?

Research the facilities before you apply to them, and think about the area before you apply. Try to have a good open communication with your preceptor and manager. This is the time where you will learn pretty much everything that will stay with you during your career. You want to learn as much as possible in a great environment.

These are my thoughts and opinions. These answers do not represent all nurses in all healthcare areas.

Kimberly,

I have been a RN for > 30 years. So, here goes...

1. I went into nursing because at the time, there weren't as many opportunities for women as there are today. I wanted to do something worthwhile, and for others. Plus, the program was 36 months, and relatively cheap. LOL

2.The thing that keeps me actively practicing is that this profession is one in which you deal with people very intimately. I still feel that it's a worthwhile job.

3.The greatest rewards are that you are able to share the joys and sorrows of people's lives. A nurse sees so much more of life than many people - it gives you a different perspective on what is important and what is not.

4.The changes over the years have been how nurses function and how they are perceived. We have gone from being the bedpan handling "doctors' handmaidens" to professionals with actual brains...

5.As far as changes - I would like to see nursing education become more consistent and possibly give students a chance to see what they're "getting into". There's an awful lot that could change, I don't know where to begin.For so long, nurses did not stand up for themselves, and I think that is changing now. It makes a big difference in the profession.

6. To a student entering school - Be sure this is what you want to do. Remember that nursing is an art and a science; it involves " the laying on of hands", so don't be afraid to "get your hands dirty." Direct patient care is not below you. Keep your sense of compassion and your sense of humor!

7. A new nurse entering the profession must remember that now you're going to work nights, weekends, holidays, etc. for most jobs. Many people just don't understand your schedule. It truly is a giving profession. Sometimes the only thing you have to give is yourself. Hang in there - it's worth it. Where else can you witness the joy of a new life coming into the world, or the peace of suffering long ended? Nurses touch many lives. Remember to treat others as you would want to be treated.

Good luck!