Becoming a nurse in the middle of a pandemic was one of the hardest challenges of my life. As a nurse I manage a patients day in one of the most difficult and stressful times for them. I have to control their medications, help with toileting, bathing, ensure they are educated on their care and provide them with the necessary resources after they leave the hospital. Although there are many tasks I do as a registered nurse my most important job is being an advocate for patients to make sure the best care possible is being provided to them.
Why Mount Union?
I had one college visit at Mount Union and I knew it was home. From the welcoming people to the beautiful landscaping, I fell in love with the campus. The tour of the nursing building and the meetings with the professors made it seem like it would be a place I could call home and the decision was a very easy one. I love that it brought me close friends, colleagues and the connections they continue to give me even post graduation. Oh and THE BEST nurses wear PURPLE.
Involvement
I was involved on campus with Mount Unions student nursing organization. I served as the secretary and was able to attend many conferences for the NSNA. One meeting was in Utah where I served as a campaign manager for a fellow classmate whom ran for president. Mount Union gave me this opportunity to connect with various students from different states and those connections are great to have in such a challenging profession. As far as how I stay connected post gradation to Mount Union is serving as a nursing student tutor and help hold open labs where students can practice their skills. I can use my knowledge I have learned in the field to help the students relate to real life situations.
Best Part of My Job
I like that I can be a nurse, advocate, friend, and a helping hand to someone when they are in on of the most stressful times of their lives. The most impactful comment I have received from a patient is, “thank you for your help, without you I don’t know if I would be here today” and that has fueled my energy to give all my patients the care that they deserve. One goal I would like to reach in my career is to never lose my compassion for the job no matter how hard the times get.