Introduction
Student Introduction and Statement of Purpose
This conversation is held to exchange experiences with a nurse who has been working in the field of medicine for a long time and has her view on many issues related to the work of a nurse. It is essential for me to get answers to questions and reflect on them myself, from the height of my experience and knowledge. Comparing two views on the same issue will help you get a more comprehensive understanding of the issue.
Selected Nurse Introduction
Name of Selected Nurse: J. S.
J. S. has been an operating room nurse at a city hospital for 16 years. She started her work with an outpatient practice, assisting a surgeon in small operations. Having gained experience, she began to assist more and more, including in complex multi-stage interventions.
Selected Nurse States Verbal Permission for Conversation and Submission
Student: Do you agree to this recorded conversation and submission to my instructor for grading purposes?
J. S.: Yes, I agree.
Questions and Answers
Question 1
Student: What are your favorite memories of nursing school from your student days?
J. S.: My favorite memories from college are mainly of the days when we were taught new skills or given a try as an assistant to more experienced nurses. It was very exciting every time, but simultaneously, I felt incredible joy and pride because I was getting some kind of manipulation. That may be why I went into surgery – it is essential for me to do something with my hands to improve my skills constantly.
Student: At the moment, my favorite memories are also associated with the joy of learning new skills and knowledge because the desire to acquire this knowledge brought me to Nursing school. I don’t know if I will work in surgery, but I will try to master as many skills as possible during my training!
Question 2
Student: How did your first year of RN practice compare to your nursing practice today?
J. S.: I was more anxious about many things that now seem routine and easy. This is understandable since, during work, you adapt to the new, and the fear gradually decreases. Nevertheless, some basic level of anxiety should remain, in my opinion: we must not lose vigilance and control over the situation since the life and health of the patient often depend on our actions.
Student: I don’t yet have that much practical experience, so anxiety accompanies me in many actions, although I have become more confident with each manipulation. In addition, my interaction with patients has changed a lot in the work process: I have become more attentive and responsive.
Question 3
Student: What were some nursing practices that you used in your earlier years that are no longer used today? Why are they no longer used?
J. S.: A lot has changed in terms of equipment and sequence of manipulations. For example, there are new scalpels and types of clamps, and the suture threads are now integrated into the needle and no longer need to be threaded manually. As a result, the work of an operating room nurse has become more manageable regarding tools, but at the same time, it has become more complicated regarding new technologies. It’s challenging but exciting!
Student: I have yet to gain experience so far. I agree with Jennette that equipment and tools change all the time. In addition, nurses have to work less on sterilization and cleaning of instruments since many supplies are now produced disposable.
Question 4
Student: How have specific persons or events significantly impacted your practice over the years?
J. S.: The most significant influence on my practice has been my colleagues, doctors, and other nurses. Despite the knowledge you get during your studies and from books, the exchange of experience in the work process is the most important source of information. I am grateful to my colleagues who taught me so much for free. I also want to share enough of my experience with younger colleagues!
Student: I am precisely the junior colleague Jennette is talking about, and I am very grateful to the experienced nurses willing to share their experience and knowledge. The contact with mentors helps me become better every day and improves my nursing practice.
Question 5
Student: How have you impacted the nursing practice of others?
J. S.: I try to help my colleagues if they ask for help or advice. Sometimes, young nurses are embarrassed to ask for advice, but I try to watch them and come to the rescue if I see that they are having difficulty in their practice. I hope that my advice is helpful to them and that they, in turn, pass it on to the next generation of nurses!
Student: I also try to help others as much as possible and support my colleagues if they encounter moral difficulties in their practice. I am very good at sharing experiences and strive to become a trusted advisor to colleagues as I gain experience.
Question 6
Student: What contributions have you made to nursing in the areas of leadership, provision of care, and evidence-based practice?
J. S.: I have never done academic retraining and have always preferred to be more of a practical nurse. However, I have had to engage in various leadership activities several times over the years. For example, I have conducted seminars on surgical nursing for young colleagues. And also, I was a mentor for students during their practice and organized their work.
Student: According to ANA’s Principles of Nursing, a nurse should not only provide care and fulfill her direct job responsibilities but also develop as a leader and strive to improve care. I actively participate in new initiatives and help implement functional changes to current standards. I hope that in the future, I will be able to express myself as an active leader fully.
Question 7
Student: What challenges in today’s nursing can be improved using lessons from the past?
J. S.: The desire for technical improvement in working conditions and the advent of telemedicine may contribute to the distance of the nurse from the patients, despite all efforts to maintain and improve interpersonal communication in medicine. However, one should try not to forget the past standards, which were imperfect but postulated the idea that the nurse should interact directly with the patient and take care of his needs. Sometimes a simple heart-to-heart conversation before surgery can help the patient relieve anxiety and feel better.
Student: I agree with Jennette that not only technology is essential in helping, but also the art of communication, responsiveness, and willingness to help. That is why I read a lot of information about the great nurses of the past who were perfect in these skills and tried to learn from them the best.
Question 8
Student: Who is your favorite famous Nurse from nursing history?
J. S.: I admire Virginia Henderson and her contributions to modern-day nursing. It laid the foundations for the holistic approach that is now gradually becoming the standard. I consider her a wise and attentive woman who could see their needs while others did not.
Student: I will not be original and call Florence Nightingale my role model not only because of her passion for helping people but also her outstanding leadership qualities throughout her career.
Question 9
Student: How do you use that famous Nurse’s examples in your own practice?
J. S.: According to the precepts of Mrs. Henderson, I try very hard to be a supportive nurse for the patient but not to limit his freedom and will at the same time. One must be able to listen to desires and complaints, and then one will become not an overseer but a friend and support for a person.
Student: I try very hard to be brave and assertive like Florence Nightingale, not be afraid to show myself, and take on leadership roles where needed.
Question 10
Student: Based on your nursing past, what advice would you give to the new Nurse today?
J. S.: My main advice is to be bold and ask colleagues for advice and help. This is very important, and there is nothing to be ashamed of!
Student: I like Jennette’s advice; it’s essential! I can add that a good nurse must remain curious and open to everything new to develop along with medical science.
Conclusion
Gratitude
Student: I am very grateful to J. S. for the pleasant conversation and for the fact that she agreed to share her experience and advice. It is essential for me to keep in touch with senior colleagues, and I will apply new knowledge in practice!
Summary
Student: This interview was fascinating in many aspects. Comparing my experience with Jennette’s gave me a more detailed picture when answering questions. We could also discuss the changes in medicine in recent years and the role of a nurse in this changing system. Finally, it was helpful to learn about Jennette’s role model and her guidelines in her daily work.