After final exams next week I will officially be half-way done with nursing school. Since I am a planner, being half-way done means that I am beginning to think about life after graduation. According to a recent American Association of Colleges of Nursing survey, approximately 47% of Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) graduates in the Western United States already have jobs at graduation. It would be interesting to know more about the characteristics of new BSN graduates who have job offers upon graduation. The question I have recently been nurses I meet is what makes new graduate nurses stand out besides good grades and strong letters of recommendation? Answers have included volunteer work in a healthcare setting, research skills, and leadership experience.
In other nursing school related news, the Los Angeles Daily News just published an article on the nursing faculty shortage in the California State University System. I am thankful for the excellent nursing professors we have at CSU Northridge, one of whom is pictured in the article.
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Friday, December 6, 2013
Thankfulness
Danny and I spent Thanksgiving with my family in Northern California. We went on several hikes, ran in the Run for Food, ate delicious food, and enjoyed time with friends and family. A highlight of the trip was our annual family reunion with my dad's family in Monterey. Much to my surprise, my grandfather now has a mustache and beard because he decided to grow facial hair after turning 90 this year. It just goes to show that we can, and should, constantly grow and evolve throughout our lives. Danny - that does not mean that you should evolve to quit shaving your face.
While I did not enjoy the long 7+ hour drive back south at the end of our trip, I did enjoy our stop along the way at Pismo Beach. Sunshine with a temperature in the mid 70s at the beginning of December, how could you not be thankful?
While I did not enjoy the long 7+ hour drive back south at the end of our trip, I did enjoy our stop along the way at Pismo Beach. Sunshine with a temperature in the mid 70s at the beginning of December, how could you not be thankful?
Nurse-Patient Relationships
As a nursing student I am like a toddler learning how to walk and talk, trying to constantly absorb and then apply as much knowledge as possible in order to be a safe, ethical, competent and compassionate nurse. My learning efforts are often focused on scientific and nursing theory, evidence based practice, and learning new technical skills, but there is also a softer, human side of nursing. Nurses have the incredible honor and responsibility of caring for patients and families in their most vulnerable moments.
In her New York Times blog post today, When Nurses Bond With Their Patients, Sarah Horstman, RN, does an excellent job exploring the sometimes blurry line between professional therapeutic nurse-patient relationships, and personal relationships with patients. She writes, "nurses and patients move in and out of each others’ lives so quickly, but we are nonetheless changed by every encounter." I am excited to be entering a profession that will challenge me to constantly grow and refine myself, both as a professional and as a person.
In her New York Times blog post today, When Nurses Bond With Their Patients, Sarah Horstman, RN, does an excellent job exploring the sometimes blurry line between professional therapeutic nurse-patient relationships, and personal relationships with patients. She writes, "nurses and patients move in and out of each others’ lives so quickly, but we are nonetheless changed by every encounter." I am excited to be entering a profession that will challenge me to constantly grow and refine myself, both as a professional and as a person.
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