Student Nurse Teacher

In my first two nursing interviews, we got to know a Pediatric ICU nurse and a Labor and Delivery Nurse . This interview features Rachel, a nurse who works for a federally qualified health center , where she provides care to a variety of patients who may not be able to find the healthcare they need anywhere else. Rachel is a compassionate nurse who uses her skills to serve her patients on a daily basis. Thanks for sharing with us, Rachel! What type of nursing do you do?  I work in family practice at a federally qualified health center. Can you tell me a little bit about yourself and why you chose that specialty?  I am a 2016 nursing grad. Being in church every Sunday is important to me. I chose this job because it allows me to have weekends off. How is your specialty unique to other types of nursing? What are some of its challenges and rewards? A FQHC has some differences from other family practices, because of the population with which we work....

I see you walking into your shift. Coffee in hand, bag slung over your shoulder. You casually glance at the assignment board as you go to clock in and set your things down. It seems in that moment, you already know how your shift will go. A few minutes later you are on the computer, flying through your charts while waiting to get report. You know more about your patients than the off-going nurse, and know exactly what questions to ask as she gives you report.  As I begin my night, I am anxious; I grab some supplies to fill my pockets, and have to stop and think about what patient I should assess first. I am calculating how to most effectively pass meds when you pass me in the hall. Your eyes meet mine. "Your patient in room 201 just called asking for water, do you want me to get it for him?" you ask. I say no, I will be in there soon and don't want to put you out. But, I wonder how you seem to know more about my patients than I do. Your confidence is intimidating and ...

Whether you are a nurse or a nursing student, chances are you feel overwhelmed, and stressed, at least a few times a week 😄 We work in a demanding field with a high level of responsibility. No one, no matter how seasoned or how smart, is immune from the pressures of healthcare. So how do you deal with the stress of the your classes or job? There are many avenues of #selfcare and hopefully you have already learned your favorite ways to unwind. Here are a few of mine! -- Hang out with friends, especially those who remind me I am not alone in this journey -- Play the piano (love me some Rachmaninov  if it was an especially stressful shift 😉) -- Get outside and enjoy nature So what about you? How do you find refreshment after a tough day? Cheering you on, Laura Follow me on Instagram

Meet Priscilla! Like  Kimberly,  Priscilla and I went to nursing school together. We actually met the very first week of freshman year--in Chemistry lab! After many successful (and some not-so-successful) lab projects, we became great friends: encouraging each other through tough nursing classes, jamming together, and discussing life. She has had a dream of becoming a Labor and Delivery nurse since before I met her, and it has been so neat to see her live that out. What type of nursing do you do?  I am a labor and delivery nurse on a large L&D unit in SC. Can you tell me a little bit about yourself and why you chose that specialty?  I always loved the OB specialty, even when I was a child. My brother was born when I was 7, and I very clearly remember going with my mom to her doctor appointments, seeing the ultrasounds being done, and just absolutely loving all the excitement during my mom's pregnancy. I had a lot of curiosity about OB, and ...

Introducing a new series here on Student Nurse Teacher: nursing specialty interviews! I will be interviewing nurses of various specialties, giving them a chance to share why they love their job, and giving you a glimpse into their roles!  The first nurse is my friend Kimberly. Kimberly and I went through nursing school together. We sat together in classes, shared clinical experiences, and now support each other in this grand adventure of nursing. She is an excellent PICU (pediatric intensive care unit) nurse. Here is her story.  What type of nursing do you do?  Pediatric ICU - the ratios are 1:1 or 2:1. I can get anything from a seizure kid who is intubated on sedation drips/paralytic drips to a full-blown septic shock case on 3-4 vasopressors, sedation, intubated on the oscillator and on nitric. Also sprinkle in there the Level 1 traumas post car wreck, some of which end up being organ donors.  Can you tell me a little bit about yourself and why you chose ...

With the holiday season upon us, perhaps you have been wondering what to get for that nursing student or nurse on your list. I reached out to a few of my nursing friends for some ideas and they came through big time! (Thanks, friends!) So without further ado, here are the best gifts for nurses and nursing students. They are organized by category and then loosely organized by price, so you're sure to find something that fits your budget and warms their heart! Food: Chocolate If you stop reading here and buy chocolate for everyone on your list, you are already a winner. Coffee Coffee is always a good option. Arizona Green Tea I love this tea! Cute lunch boxes Water bottle Especially ones that keep drinks cold for hours like  this one . Mug Contigos  are the way to go! They keep hot drinks hot! Tervis A  Tervis  serves double duty: cold drinks stay cold, and hot drinks stay hot. Tools: Retractable Badge Clips You want one that can rotate 360°...

Group projects shouldn't look like this--one person giving orders and everyone else going in different directions!! Do you enjoy group projects? Or do you inwardly groan and hope you don't end up in a group with "that person"? They can be effective and even enjoyable if you follow these guidelines. 1. Communicate, communicate, communicate. Never assume anything about any part of the project. Discuss roles, deadlines, ideas, everything.  2.  At the beginning, look at the project and divide it up evenly. Make sure everyone knows what they are expected to complete.  3.  Set early deadlines for your group. Is the project due Friday? Have everyone in the group finish their part by Wednesday and come together to make sure you didn't forget anything.  4.  Be honest when filling out those group evaluations. If you think you did all the work and your classmates did nothing don't be afraid to speak up, but do so kindly and always assume the best ...