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Registered Nurse (RN) Career Spotlight

August 12th, 2009 by alexi

Becky, a university graduate with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Nursing, took time out of her busy week going through hospital orientation as a recently certified Registered Nurse, to answer some questions about the world of nursing.

When did you become interested in nursing?

I became interested in nursing after my freshman year of college. I was Pre-Med and the fit just didn’t seem right for my long term goals. I knew I wanted to be a mom, but at the same time, I wanted to have a career. I love that nursing will afford me the opportunity to identify with something outside of mothering. Also, after a few years of work experience, I plan to go back to school and get my master’s degree and become a nurse practitioner, or possibly even get my Doctorate in Nursing Practice. I love that I have these choices!

What is your favorite part of being an RN?

I love that I am always learning! It can be frustrating at times to not know everything, but the learning and growth can be so rewarding because you really see the impact in people’s lives! As a nurse you get to be with your patients during some of their most vulnerable times-being a part of that and helping them through the process of healing, loss, whatever their situation may be is really fulfilling.

What has been particularly memorable about your job now or nursing school?

I can’t pinpoint one single patient. You see everything in nursing! Really, everything.

“You see everything in nursing! Really, everything.”

I love the growth that I have seen in myself throughout nursing school, and even now as a RN- I learn something new each day, and have so much left to learn. I also love knowing that I really helped someone in my day.

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Career Spotlight: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

August 11th, 2009 by alexi

Nursing is a virtually recession-proof job that will always be in demand. My Colleges and Careers asked pediatric nurse practitioner SueAnn Hyland (R.N., P.N.P.) of Orange County, Calif., more about what she does on a daily basis.

Fun Fact: Married with two children, Hyland just completed her first triathlon last weekend. No big deal at all…

What made you interested in nursing?

My grandma was a Labor and Delivery nurse and growing up, my family and I always talked with her about her career which made me very interested in health care. As I got older, I recognized I really enjoyed working with and helping people and I was particularly keen on the variety of opportunities and flexibility within the world of nursing.

What are your typical daily responsibilities as a nurse?

Currently I work as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with two pediatrician’s in a pediatric office. I work completely autonomously in the care of children with ages ranging from birth - 21 years. My responsibilities include baby/child/teenage check-up’s and sports physicals, diagnosing and treating illnesses, writing prescriptions, and ordering and interpreting labs, x-rays and other tests.

What is your favorite part of the job?

My favorite of my job is building relationship with the families and children I take care of. I particularly enjoy helping new moms during the challenging transitions with a newborn and watching the baby grow as they visit the clinic regularly during the first 2 years of life. Also I really enjoying working with teens and helping them better understand and take care of their bodies. In my nursing career I have worked in a variety of settings and specialties including pediatric cardiac intensive care unit (ICU), neonatal ICU, pediatric ICU, and general pediatrics. Every area of nursing has its pros and cons, with unforgettable patients in each setting.
Every area of nursing has its pros and cons, with unforgettable patients in each setting.

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