Nursing Project

1.What is your educational background, position or role?

I'm an open-heart ICU and OR nurse applying to CRNA programs. I first obtained an ADN degree and bridged to my BSN.

2. Why did you decide to go into this nursing specialty?

I'm passionate about taking my nursing role to the absolute height of its potential, and a doctorate is the terminal degree for nurses. I also want to practice at the top of my scope of practice, and CRNAs are able to provide independent anesthesia care in any setting, at least in my state, depending on the facility's policy.

3. What is the best and worst thing about your job?

Best: autonomy. Ability to apply my critical thinking to achieve positive outcomes.

worst: dealing with difficult personalities that I can't sedate (I.e. rude surgeons and staff)

4. What advice do you have in pursuing this specialty in nursing?

Get connected with a mentor early. Get involved with the AACN and join the AANA as soon as possible when you identify CRNA as your goal. The AANA is launching a membership option for RNs in September of 2024!

5. How do you as a nurse collaborate with other health care providers?

there is no such thing as too much information when you're advocating for your patient. Make sure the other providers have the data they need to see where you and the patient are coming from.

6. What advice do you have for future nursing student?

nursing is a complex profession that demands much from those who choose it. Surrounding yourself with mentors and role models ensures you master your craft with the help of people who can guide you to your goals.

1.What is your educational background, position or role?

I have my BSN, currently attend a Family Nurse Practitioner program, and I am an Emergency Department RN. 

2. Why did you decide to go into this nursing specialty?

I went into the ER because I wanted to help those with life threatening conditions. Resuscitation has always been an interest of mine (CPR, Mass transfusion, RSI, cardioversion, sedation, etc) . Also, triaging patients is fascinating because the nurse has to do the assessment and try and figure out what could be happening to the patient before the provider sees the patient. I enjoy the intellectual stimulation of assessment and trying to understand what condition the patient has before the diagnosis has been made.

3. What is the best and worst thing about your job?

The best part of my job is helping save a life. This is a team effort and being a cohesive team is so rewarding. The relationships in nursing I have gained are lifelong. There is something about trauma bonding with a teammate that is unmatched. The love felt after a neonate is revived is surreal and that is the moment I am stoked to be an RN.  Worst thing is seeing a patient or their family forever changed by a traumatic event. That event can be a death or loss of a limb/eyesight. 

4. What advice do you have in pursuing this specialty in nursing?

If you are going into critical care..be ready for a large learning curve. Do not be closed minded, accept help and advice from experienced nurses. When you don't know how to do something, please ask for help and instruction/education.

5. How do you as a nurse collaborate with other health care providers?

It's all about approach. If I question an order, I state "I am wondering what your thoughts or reasoning for this order is, given XYZ?". Understand that providers are human too and have bad days where they are grumpy. Additionally, be your patients advocate and if needed go up the chain of command to get the proper care for a patient. 

6. What advice do you have for future nursing student?

Stay positive. Nursing school is hard and the first year is hard. The first year I slept constantly and had imposter syndrome. Self-care is important. Be nice to yourself and give yourself grace to learn and grown.