Meet Courtney from It's Just Me!
I started my nursing career during my senior year in high school as a
CNA at a local hospital. This is where I knew nursing was perfect for
me. I am now attending the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh for nursing.
It's definitely challenging, but in the end it will be worth it!
When do you graduate?
December 2014
What made you want to be a nurse?
Most people say that they want to be a nurse because they love caring
for people. It's the same for me. I do love caring for others and trying
to make them feel better, but the main reason that I want to be a nurse
is because I love the human body. It is so interesting to me how
everything works and how the health care field can really help someone. I
could have gone to be a doctor or some other higher end position, but I
believe nursing is the core. The nurses are the ones who spend all day
with the patient and they are the patients' advocate. To me, there is no
better job than that.
What areas of nursing are you interested in?
The area that most interests me in nursing is genetics. I hope to work
in genetics down the road, but when I get out of school, I am interested
in working on a cardiac unit or in the ICU.
What has been your favorite nursing class so far? Least favorite?
My favorite nursing class so far would have to be pharmacology. The
reason is because the teacher is so awesome. It's not what I thought it
would be like. I thought we would just be learning all these drug names
and actions, but she teaches it so we can actually apply it to nursing
practice. My least favorite class would have to be nutrition. I know
it's important, but oh was it boring!
What is your favorite skill you've learned or performed so far?
So far, my favorite skill is setting up IV fluids on the pumps. I'm really looking forward to being able to start IVs!
What makes you most nervous about becoming a nurse?
The thing that makes me the most nervous is first of all being able to
pass my boards. When I'm an RN, I will be most nervous about making a
mistake that could be life-threatening.
What three things are must-haves for surviving nursing school?
1. A positive, calm attitude. Don't let nursing school get the best of you!
2. A good support system. There's going to be days when you come home and cry. You need someone to be there to tell you it's going to be okay.
3. A hobby. Find something that you like to do to get your mind off school. You need a little time to unwind and not think about nursing.
2. A good support system. There's going to be days when you come home and cry. You need someone to be there to tell you it's going to be okay.
3. A hobby. Find something that you like to do to get your mind off school. You need a little time to unwind and not think about nursing.
Any funny stories about nursing?
One of my professors told us this story the other day. She worked on an
intensive care unit with another nurse, who worked night shift. Around 6
AM, this nurse was in a patient's room, who had extensive abdomen
surgery and had yet to pass any gas. The patient was going to have to go
back into surgery. The nurse passed gas and no later than a few seconds
later, all of the doctors, interns, residents, and everyone else on the
case walked into the room. They all started cheering and giving high
fives, since they smelt the gas and believed the patient had finally
passed gas, meaning no surgery. The nurse was so embarrassed, but knew
she had to say something...so she slowly raised her hand and said
"umm...Sorry, that was me".
Any advice for those thinking about nursing school?
Nursing school is hard and people will try to scare you about it. You
have to be strong and confident in yourself and have the ability to say
"I can do this" and believe it. It's also important to remember that
nursing is not a profession that is just a "job". It's a way of life.
What you do outside of work reflects on your ability to be a nurse as
well as what happens at work. It's a big responsibility, but so
rewarding!
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One of my favorite classes was pharmacology too because I had an amazing professor.
Go show Courtney some love & cheer her on through nursing school!
If you would like to be featured in Notes on Nursing, leave a comment below or e-mail me at friebr01@luther.edu.
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