Expert: Alex Woodruff RN, BSc - 1/24/2012

Question
Hi Alex, I am currently enrolled an a Guidance for Nursing class and we have an assignment to interview an RN. If you could be so helpful and answering the following questions, It'd be greatly appreciated!

1.What brought you into the field of nursing?
2.What keeps you in the field of nursing?
3.What do you recognize as the greatest rewards/challenges in the profession of nursing?
4.What changes would yo like to see in the profession of nursing?
5.What advice can you offer to a student entering the nursing school and the profession of nursing?

Answer
Hi Sonia,

I would be happy to help with your interview.

1) My family have worked in healthcare for at least 3 generations. I, however, started my career in banking. After 4 years I was at my wits end and had to find a new career or lose my sanity! When evaluating my choices I decided that financial reward was not enough, I needed some job satisfaction, to feel like I was doing something that helped people. I had always worked with young people as a volunteer, so pediatric nursing seemed the logical place for me.

2) I feel that I make a difference to people's lives. I meet families when they are in the most stressful time of their lives and, with my colleagues, help them back to health and happiness.

3) The greatest rewards are the same things that keep me in the profession. The greatest challenges are dealing with long hours, night shifts... and colleagues who are also working long hours and night shifts!

4) I would like to see more nurse led research which could bring about more nurse autonomy. Critical thinking is something that needs to be encouraged, as is advocacy and leadership.

5) Take advantage of any learning opportunities that come your way. Approach every situation with enthusiasm and eagerness. Start making contacts as soon as you can... you never know who you will be approaching for a job at the end of school.

Hope that helps, please leave some feedback for me.