A Day within the Lifetime of a Journey Nurse-ATI Nursing Weblog

Kelita Raphael, MSN, FNP-BC, RN-BC

Inform us about your nursing profession.
I began in nursing as a highschool pupil. My highschool had an LPN program, so I used to be in a position to grow to be licensed as an LPN at 17 years previous. Afterward, I accomplished an LPN-to-RN program, then was in a BSN program, and simply accomplished my grasp’s in August 2022. I began my profession in long-term care as an LPN and RN, then I transitioned into subacute/acute rehab.  I started engaged on a med-surg telemetry and progressive care unit. Throughout the pandemic, my unit was transformed into ICU overflow, which helped me to realize step-down expertise.

In September 2021, I started working as a journey nurse. In that position, I’ve labored in an ER holding/CDU & Remark unit, as a tele-float nurse, and on a med-surg neuro unit. Nevertheless, I’ll quickly be leaving direct-bedside care to embark on my new journey in nursing skilled improvement.

What impressed you to grow to be a nurse?
I’ve all the time been concerned with science, and I’ve all the time seen myself as a pure caregiver. Nevertheless, my greatest inspiration to enter the nursing career was my dad and mom. In my dad and mom’ residence nation of Haiti, nursing is seen as one of the crucial revered professions. As a way for social development in america, my father closely inspired me to get into nursing, though I did query whether or not I might be a great nurse. However after I was in elementary faculty, I watched my mother work her hardest to finish a nursing program whereas working full-time as a CNA. Sitting together with her and finding out together with her helped to encourage my fascination and love for nursing, which led me to grow to be the fierce advocate for the nursing career right this moment that I’m right this moment.

Throughout your time in your present position, what does your typical day appear like?
As a journey nurse, my day varies. Normally I arrive at work, take stories, and spherical on my sufferers to introduce myself, guarantee they’re okay, and reply any questions they might have that got here up throughout change of shift. I confirm that any fluids or drips are right, displays are linked and functioning, and many others. I additionally use this time to carry out baseline assessments reminiscent of neurological standing, IVs, and coronary heart rhythms on telemetry. I personally love to do my assessments early within the shift to provide me a baseline of how the affected person is doing clinically in order that I can clearly be aware any modifications from baseline. Afterward, I like to prepare myself for the subsequent shift by making a to-do listing; I write down vital duties that have to be accomplished for the nurse taking on for me to make sure nothing is missed. Then I carry out med cross. After that, I normally chart, after which I proceed rounding on my sufferers for security. I keep fixed communication with the supplier in regard to any points or suggestions, and I monitor for modifications in my sufferers that require additional intervention. Though this can be a fundamental day, every day is totally different, and also you actually by no means know what to anticipate when working as a nurse.

What’s probably the most thrilling half?
Essentially the most thrilling half is how dynamic nursing is. Issues can change on the drop of a hat, and you need to be ready. At each job, I’ve been often called the one who runs to a rapid-response. Though I hate {that a} affected person could also be decompensating, I really like utilizing these moments as a studying alternative. It offers me the possibility to look at how the medical doctors and suppliers assess and deal with the state of affairs so I’m ready for different conditions prefer it sooner or later.

What’s the hardest half?
There are such a lot of powerful elements about med-surg and PCU. We’ve got a heavy workload as a consequence of our quantity of sufferers, and it’s usually very tough to take a break due to all of the duties that have to be achieved. There are additionally points reminiscent of quick staffing that provides to our burden. Nevertheless, one of many hardest elements of this career is realizing that, although we really strive our greatest to offer life-saving care, not everybody will be saved. Our sufferers undergo debilities and even lose their lives. For me, that’s one of the crucial heartbreaking elements of being a nurse.

Which programs in nursing faculty helped you put together for this position?
My programs in anatomy, pathophysiology, and pharmacology had been nice preparation for this position. Anatomy gave me an in-depth understanding of the physique and its capabilities, which taught me to information my assessments and stored me conscious of what was irregular. Pathophysiology gave me an understanding of the illness course of and the way it can have an effect on the physique. This helps me to elucidate that course of to my sufferers to enhance their schooling and reduce any fears. Pharmacology, though a difficult course, actually helped me perceive the medicines I’m administering and their results. Having an in-depth data of pathophysiology and anatomy has all the time served because the constructing blocks for pharmacology. Understanding how the physique capabilities and the way illness impacts it permits me to obviously perceive how medicines work, how they are going to enhance a situation, and why sure unwanted effects come up.

Every other ideas for in-program college students?
In case folks didn’t inform you: Apply answering questions! NCLEX-style questions are one of the simplest ways to arrange your self for taking the NCLEX examination. Chances are you’ll know the fabric, however you’re making an attempt to study and perceive find out how to apply the knowledge. Additional, it’s by no means too early to start out NCLEX preparation. By making ready your self early, the NCLEX examination turns into a much less daunting process.

What recommendation would you give to nursing college students wanting to enter this specialty?
Med-surg and PCU are nice constructing blocks for thus many different specialties. Expertise in these areas can put together you to handle time properly and assess successfully. Nevertheless, know that you just don’t have to start out in med-surg simply since you hear folks say that’s the place you need to begin. If you wish to discover some other specialty, don’t let your self be restricted to med-surg. The entire nursing world is your oyster!

What do you want you’d have identified earlier than beginning your nursing profession?
I want I knew how versatile the nursing career was. As a pupil, I solely restricted my profession to bedside and nurse practitioner. Nevertheless, being a nurse opens the door to various profession alternatives reminiscent of schooling, management, and even entrepreneurship. Perceive you can make the most of your nursing diploma to create the life you need. You simply must be open to the alternatives.