Nurses
Week

What do you love most about nursing? In other words, why did you chose this profession?

Nursing is a rewarding profession; it has allowed me to be with individuals at their greatest moments, as well as lowest moments. With that being said, my patients become like family when they are in the unit for extended periods of time; I’m able to really to get to know them. Additionally, nursing allows me to see my work in action — I can actually see the fruits of my labor as the patient improves throughout their hospitalization. Relative to what drove me toward the profession was a passion for caring for others, as well as the ability to advocate. In being a nurse, I’m able to care for others and be with them during their most vulnerable times. Furthermore, as an ICU nurse, I pride myself on the ability to advocate for patients and their needs, whether it be additional testing, family involvement or home care items. I continue to be thankful that I chose this profession.

What lessons did you learn at UC that have stuck with you over the years? In other words, how has your UC education helped you be the best nurse you can be?

UC taught me to be a well-rounded nurse. In being a well-rounded nurse, I am able to care for the patient physically, mentally and emotionally. Without working toward all three elements, the patient would not be set-up for success.  Ultimately, their success is my greatest priority.

What is one unexpected experience during your time at UC that you would like to share?

As a non-traditional student who pursued my RN to BSN at UC, I experienced technology difficulties, balancing life with work, and focusing on the learning material. Therefore, I gained time management, resilience and balance. For example, one evening I had an assignment due, but my child care fell through and the instructor was able to work with me on an alternative due date.

What do you love most about nursing? In other words, why did you chose this profession?

To this day, the thing I love most about nursing is that you truly have the power to make a difference in someone's life. Even on the worst day of their life, you always have the ability to make it just a little bit better. I knew I needed a career that would make me feel fulfilled, and nursing provides me with that and so much more. 

What lessons did you learn at UC that have stuck with you over the years? In other words, how has your UC education helped you be the best nurse you can be?

Attending UC has taught me perseverance. I am from St. Louis, Missouri, originally, and came to UC not knowing a soul. After a couple weeks on campus, I was homesick and was having second thoughts about whether UC was for me. Luckily, I stuck it out for a few more weeks and found that it would be the best decision of my life. I know it sounds cliché, but I truly believe that every journey in your life has a meaning. I was constantly pushed outside my comfort zone throughout nursing school and found that I learn best in that space outside my comfort zone. I've had to remind myself of this several times throughout my nursing career, such as when I was starting my first nursing job as a new grad in yet another new city, when I didn't feel ready to come out of orientation in the Pediatric ICU, and when I didn't think I was ready to take care of my first patient on ECMO. My education from UC serves as a constant reminder that the area where I feel most challenged is where I tend to grow as a nurse. 

What is one unexpected experience during your time at UC that you would like to share?

I changed my major three times while I was at UC. I started in pre-physical therapy, then changed to athletic training, and then made the transition to nursing. I never expected to be the person that wasn't sure of their career path, and it was hard for me at first. Once I finally landed in the nursing program, I felt like there was so much opportunity to learn and constantly develop. This process made me realize that it's okay to not be 100% sure of every decision you make, and it's even okay to make the wrong choice sometimes. I now have the privilege of teaching nursing clinicals for UC BSN students and I'm glad that my path wasn't cut and dry so I can share my experience with them. Being able to help nursing students find their passion and forge their own path is one of the most fulfilling parts of my job!

What do you love most about nursing? In other words, why did you chose this profession?

When I was in undergrad, I had two individuals close to me be hospitalized for significant health issues. During their time in the hospital, I was able to see the impact nurses had not only on their patients but also on their patient’s loved ones. This prompted my desire to do the accelerated program at UC. Nurses are not only involved in direct patient care, but they act as advocates while also providing others comfort and support. This connection with others is what I love most about nursing.

What lessons did you learn at UC that have stuck with you over the years? In other words, how has your UC education helped you be the best nurse you can be?

I’ve always had a love of learning. UC not only fosters this love of learning, but they encourage it. This has translated into my continued education and clinical practice as both a nurse and a nurse practitioner by allowing me to be a member of an interdisciplinary team, learn from others, and provide the best care possible to the individuals I treat.

What is one unexpected experience during your time at UC that you would like to share?

During my time at UC, a fellow student in the accelerated program had an immediate family member who experienced a major health issue. Our cohort was able to rally around her and her family to support them the best we could. This unexpected experience emphasized the importance of not only having camaraderie and teamwork within the nursing profession, but it also served as a reminder that these are things that can be applied and valued outside of the work or school setting!

What do you love most about nursing? In other words, why did you chose this profession?

For me, nursing has always provided an avenue of personal growth and purpose. I began my career in the Specialty Resource Unit (SRU) at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, which meant that I floated the hospital to wherever I was needed that day. Every shift was a chance to learn something new and be challenged in a multitude of ways. I took great pride knowing that I could care for any patient on any unit. The opportunities within the nursing field are endless, whether clinical or non-clinical. SRU gave me a foundation of nursing and an ability to meet gifted medical professionals across the entire organization. This culminated in getting heavily involved in committee work, which led to the experience necessary for my current role as clinical manager in the Cardiac ICU. There are new challenges with this role compared to being primarily a bedside nurse, but the joy of nursing remains the same. I have been incredibly blessed throughout my career to work with others who share a passion of serving others in a selfless manner. That is what I love most about nursing.  

What lessons did you learn at UC that have stuck with you over the years? In other words, how has your UC education helped you be the best nurse you can be?

The lesson that UC education instilled in me is that, above all else, people matter the most. I was surrounded by professors and clinical instructors that deeply cared about each individual, and that level of empathy is something that I carry with me as a nurse every day. There is a human component to nursing that is equally important to the knowledge gained that has great impact on the patients, families and the teammates I am privileged to serve alongside. The core values of honesty, compassion, and integrity were engrained in the learnings so that as a student, I understood that putting the patient first was of utmost importance. I think UC also taught me to never be afraid to ask the “why?” and be bold enough to challenge the status quo. Medicine is constantly changing and UC gave me the confidence to question current practice in hopes to achieve best practice in my organization. “UC Nurses. We See Leaders.” isn’t just a tagline; I and many other classmates from '16 are living testaments as leaders throughout hospitals in the region and beyond.

What is one unexpected experience during your time at UC that you would like to share?

I would say that joining the UC Student Nurse Association (SNA) was something that I never expected to do while getting my nursing degree, but was one of the best decisions during my time at UC. SNA opened the door for improvement opportunities within the College of Nursing, which ultimately led to receiving a grant through our senior capstone project and traveling to the national SNA conference. Here, I was able to form lifelong relationships with fellow students and network with nurses from around the nation. This was all made possible by UC and the support of many in the College of Nursing. Getting involved in the various extra-curricular activities that UC offers is something that I would recommend to any student.

What do you love most about nursing? In other words, why did you chose this profession?

I have known pretty much since I was young that I wanted a career that focuses on serving others. I also wanted a career where I would constantly be challenged. I have always been drawn to the culture of nursing. Not only are nurses educated on all aspects of caring for a human life, they have the privilege of caring for individuals during their most vulnerable time, acting not only as a "healer," but also as a companion. You are quite literally watching over them and fighting for them! I tell people that it is the perfect balance combination of compassion and complexity for me.

What lessons did you learn at UC that have stuck with you over the years? In other words, how has your UC education helped you be the best nurse you can be?

There are two major lessons I learned at UC. The first was the importance of enjoying the moment and doing things that are going to fill your “cup.” Many people get so wrapped up in their degree/end goal that they often forget that college is supposed to also be fun and lively. Of course it is important to focus on the end goal; however, you don’t want to be looking back down the road thinking, “Man, I really wish I did that.”  Piggybacking off the first lesson is where the second comes in. This one was more of a reminder, but it was on the importance of being yourself. One of my favorite things about UC is that there is literally something for everyone. I do encourage everyone to push themselves out of their comfort zone and try something new, but I do believe that you still need to march to the beat of your own drum. Work your butt off, be friendly to others, and stay true to yourself!

What is one unexpected experience during your time at UC that you would like to share?

During the fall semester of sophomore year, I failed two classes and dropped out of one. I was told that there was no way that I would recover from it. I was also in an abusive relationship. One of the many things that I was told was that I wasn’t “smart enough” to work in the medical field. I did officially get myself out of the relationship during the spring of that year. Some of my biggest UC accomplishments after doing that include: retaking (and passing!) the classes that I needed to, becoming president of a student organization, getting closer to many friends, meeting the man who is now my husband and, of course, getting into and graduating from nursing school. All in all, I finished with three degrees: one in dietetics and two in nursing. Even if it took a little more time, I would not have done it any differently. It is safe to say I have definitely recovered! It’s a beautiful day to be alive.