“Rest and take care of yourself.  If you don’t, you can’t take care of others.”

Our April nurse feature takes us to my hometown, New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Meet Janet.  Janet was one of my first mentors as a graduate nurse.  She gave me daily pep talks and hugs when I would pass her in the halls at work.  She took me under her wing, pushed me to follow my dream of working in NICU (neonatal intensive care), and trained me when it was my turn to orient.  My hope is that any new graduate nurse has such a mentor.  It was though her guidance and constant encouragement that I found my nursing legs and confidence.

Where are you from?

In what area of nursing do you work?

I worked primarily in NICU for over 30 years.

How long have you been a nurse?

I received my license in 1981 and retired in 2013, so for 32 years. I didn’t start my career until I was 41 years old.

What inspired you to be a nurse?

It was something I had always wanted to do since a very early age. I just wanted to be a nurse, wife, and, mother.

What advice would you give to a new nurse?

I have a granddaughter who wants to be a NICU nurse.  She just received her RN and got a job in a children’s hospital. I tell her to get her foot in the door and get all the experience she can and watch for opening in NICU- to work and strive to accomplish your dreams.

What advice would you give to a tired nurse?

Rest and take care of yourself.  If you don’t, you can’t take care of others.

What do you do in your spare time?

I try to spend time with my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and I love to sew.

Thanks so much for sharing, Janet ❤  You are the true definition of nurse!  To read more about Janet and her mission trip to Haiti, check out my latest post with Mighty Nurse below.  It will leave you with a sense of post-retirement inspiration.

Coffee Talk With a Mighty Nurse: Volunteering After Retirement