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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Tags: health, health care, health care degree, interview, medical careers, nursing, spotlight
Posted in Career, Education, Healthcare, Uncategorized | 4 Comments »
July 2nd, 2009 by admin
Here at My Colleges and Careers, we know that you hang on every word we type, but sometimes when talking about health care you need a second opinion. To give you deeper insight into health care careers, specifically physical therapy, we have enlisted the help of Scott Kesterson, who works at Westlake Physical Therapy in Lehi, UT.
My Colleges and Careers: So what do you do at Westlake Physical Therapy?
Scott Kesterson: I am a physical therapy aide. Being a physical therapy aide is an entry-level position for people who want to get into the industry. When we get a new patient, the physical therapist does an initial evaluation. Sometimes people come in to recover from surgery or to rehabilitate some part of their body that has been injured. Many athletes come into get physical therapy after getting ACL surgery or to manage chronic neck or back pain. After the physical therapist draws up a plan, I show the patient all the different exercises they will be doing. We work on balance, muscle strength and flexibility.
My Colleges and Careers: What made you interested in physical therapy?
Scott Kesterson: I grew up playing sports and had a few injuries myself so I was aware of the field. It is fun to see and help people get better. It’s rewarding to see people get better.
My Colleges and Careers: What different levels of training and certification are involved in the physical therapy field?
Scott Kesterson: Many people start out as aide. The next level is a physical therapy assist (PSA) and they have an associates degree. Then to become a physical therapist, they complete a four-year degree (usually in a health discipline) and then three years of physical therapy school.
My Colleges and Careers: What is your favorite part of the job?
Scott Kesterson: The number one thing I enjoy is that when people are doing physical therapy they are often in our office two or three times a week and you get to build a relationship with them and help them heal their body. It is cool to have come in who can barely walk and by the end they are totally healthy.
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Tags: health care degree, physical therapy
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