Tag: AWHONN

It’s always intriguing to me discovering what drives an individual in their path of life, particularly in nursing.  Aside from the cliche desire to help those in need, what plants the seed?  Is it not interesting knowing the story behind the person?

This month’s nurse feature is of one of the first nurses I met after graduation from nursing school.  She was one of my preceptors as a new graduate on the Postpartum unit at Halifax Health in Central Florida.  A quick witted lady, she always made the work day fun-often joking and being silly, but equally skilled and serious.

Nancy, originally from Pennsylvania, has worked the last 14 years as a Labor & Delivery nurse.  Yearly, she makes her way to Guatemala with her friend and obstetrician, Cecille, where they treat women in desperate need of surgery and educate local midwives.

How long have you been a nurse?

I have been an RN since 1989. I took several years off to raise my family then returned to nursing full time in 2000.

What area of nursing do you work in?

I have been working in Obstetrics for 13 years

What inspired you to be a nurse?

I worked as a CNA while attending college, trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life, what I wanted to be. I really enjoyed experiencing the caregiving aspect of nursing. I worked alongside some great RNs who encouraged me to become a nurse.

What advice would you give to a new nurse?

I would encourage you to jump up and volunteer to take every “difficult” patient or complex case, because by doing so, you will learn so much.

What advice would you give to a tired nurse?

Volunteer to precept a new nurse and teach her/him all you know. Their enthusiasm and fresh perspective can help give a boost to your approach to nursing. Also, volunteer to go on a medical mission trip to renew your love of being a nurse.

To read more about Nancy’s mission work with Cascade Medical Team in my latest AWHONN (Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses) post….

Ladies on a Mission ❤