The CelebrateNurses Giveaway of 2021 brought together over a thousand entries from across the United States and Canada.
Every year during Nurses Month, NurseRegistry spends the month of May celebrating these extraordinary individuals who put themselves out there, helping people live healthier and happier lives every day.
For decades nurses were the silent warriors who bandaged wounds, gave us our shots, supported surgeons in our most dire moments, and rejoiced for us in our happiest moments. In the past year, nurses finally started getting the recognition they deserve. We hope that they’ll continue to be thanked and appreciated.
This year, we celebrated the joys and pains of nursing from sleepless nights of nursing school to the miracles of patient recovery. Check out the CelebrateNurses page to see some of the many entries. We’re sorry we couldn’t post them all for the sheer numbers.
We have to thank three community leaders without whom this celebration of nurses would not have been possible: DoorDash, SpaFinder, and DavidsTea.
- DoorDash is everyone’s favorite way to have restaurants and more delivered to your door. After a long shift, nurses deserve to kick back and enjoy a meal from their favorite restaurant at home with their families without getting dressed up or doing dishes. DoorDash sponsored this event with a $100 gift card.
- SpaFinder makes self-care easier with special offers and easy-to-find blowouts, mani-pedis, facials, and more. Nursing is one of those careers where people often spend so much time taking care of others that they forget to take care of themselves. SpaFinder generously donated 3 gift cards valued at $75 each.
- DavidsTea brings us the calm we need in a cup with new flavors and blends from around the world. DavidsTea contributed a tumbler and Relaxation Kit to a nurse.
Although we wish we could share these treasures with all nurses, here are the nurses that got some extra appreciation and love this year.
| CelebrateNurses 2021 | |
|---|---|
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Emergency Department |
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Bone Marrow Transplant Program |
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Home Health Pediatrics |
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Women’s Health and Fertility |
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Behavioral Health |
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Emergency Department |
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Geriatric Care |
Shannon Watson, RN
IN THIS ARTICLE
You know nursing is the best, when…
you get to work 3 days a week!
What advice would you give new nurses?
Nursing is a skill and it takes practice to master a skill. Give yourself grace. And if you’re ever unhappy with what you’re doing, know that our profession allows you to never be stuck. Find your niche and dig in!
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
The heart of a nurse is far more important than anything else. It doesn’t matter what school you went to, how long you’ve been practicing, or what other credentials you have behind your name. What truly makes a good nurse is their heart. There are certain things in our profession that can be taught and learned, like new knowledge or skills, but having the heart of a nurse is something you are born with.
Shannon’s Journey
How long have you been a nurse?
I’ve been a nurse for a little over four years.
What inspired you to become a nurse?
When I was a senior in high school, I was involved in a really bad car accident. I was transported by life flight, ended up having to get emergency trauma surgery. I stayed in the hospital inpatient for two weeks afterward.
Throughout that process, meeting nurses every step of the way—my transport team, the operating room, on the inpatient floor afterward. It kinda made up my mind after that.
Seeing how integral they were to the whole process and how much they meant to me during that.
After that—I had actually been accepted to college for a different major—I switched and went into nursing.
Nursing is a demanding course of study, what support systems did you have in place? Who or what helped you through?
My nursing cohort was just incredible. We’re all still really close to this day.
I would say the most: my mom. She was so supportive the entire way. I grew up in a tiny little town. I never moved. The first time that I moved away from home was when I moved to college, so it was a big thing for me. I had to pack up everything. Move where I knew nobody. I was living on my own. I was someone who was very overwhelmed by that, especially with being in nursing school. So she would do stuff, like she would come to visit me once a month and stay the weekend with me. Because I couldn’t take the time to do that while I was studying. She was just really supportive the whole way through. After a tough day at the hospital, that’s exactly who I’d call.
What was your first work experience as a nurse?
I went to work on a telemetry course for the six months of my nursing career. It was pretty standard. It was the hospital that I had been doing all my rotations at for nursing school. So I already had a few things down and knew quite a few of the nurses that were there. I had a pretty smooth transition, especially as a new grad, I was lucky in that sense.
After those six months, I switched to the Emergency Department. I’ve been there ever since. It’s been wonderful. I don’t think I’d ever pick another specialty to work in.
Shannon’s Day-to-Day
What is your favorite part of being a nurse?
Especially in the emergency department, I love the clinical skills. I feel like I’m always able to work with my hands. It’s both mentally and physically stimulating. That’s one of my favorite things I think.
That and the educational component, too. I almost feel I’m getting a little bit of what you would see in a primary care setting. So many of the emergency department patients and especially on the nursing end. The education that we’re giving them, it makes all the difference in the world. I think half the time the things that people are in the emergency department for—I would say probably 50% of them—could be managed so much better with just a little bit of education. Our docs and PAs don’t really have that time always, but we do.
What is your least favorite?
I think that there’s a general public expectation that we’re supposed to fulfill so many roles. We’re not just their nurse, their waitress, their maid, all these different things. That can be a stressful burden that can be inadvertently placed on us. Although we serve those roles, it’s not really what we’re supposed to be there for.
What keeps you going on tough days?
My coworkers. We have a really good team in my emergency department. I think we all do a pretty good job of lifting each other up, because everyone’s going to have those days, and you may have a lot of those days. It’s something that’s well understood. We try to keep a really good rapport with each other with that. We’re always doing little things: like playing quiet music in the nurses’ station, or when we see someone struggling we’ll offer to pick up one of their patients. It’s just little things like that help pretty significantly.
What makes you smile at work?
Out of everything, I would say laughs. A lot of the things patients say will catch me off guard like how sarcastic or funny it is. When it happens it’s such an unexpected surprise, that it’s hilarious to me at the moment. Like I could have a ninety-year-old woman—who considering what they’re coming for—that I would otherwise expect to be quiet or timid, but they’re spitfire, mouthing off and making jokes in the room. Always a surprise.
Shannon’s Reflections
What lessons or inspiration have you come away with from being a nurse?
I think perspective, and what attracted me to nursing, to begin with. I feel like every day I walk out of the hospital, I’m given the gift of perspective. We get so wrapped in our own lives every day, what’s going wrong, and how terrible things are. Then you go to the hospital and you see all these people having the worst day of their life, and it just puts things in perspective so much for me. When I come home, I’m a better person, because when I come home I realize that things that I’d think are terrible, really aren’t so terrible.
That and also something I really learned this past year is just that work isn’t your life. As nurses, we tend to make nursing our entire life and we have other responsibilities to our families and ourselves. Taking time to take care of ourselves is just as important as taking time to take care of our patients.
Taking time to take care of ourselves is just as important as taking time to take care of our patients.
Was there a time when you almost quit, then didn’t? What kept you going?
Honestly, several times during nursing school when I thought I was going to quit. Going through rotations that just did not click with me, for example, I was on an obstetrics ward for a semester and really did not enjoy it. I started panicking thinking did I take the wrong path with nursing. I talked to one of my instructors who just said, “Don’t make that decision yet. Go through absolutely every specialty and if at the end you still feel that way then it’s fine, but at least you gave it all a try.” It ended up being my very last semester of nursing school and I did a six-month Emergency Department preceptorship and it sealed for me. I didn’t have any questions after that.
What is your most treasured memory as a nurse?
I also volunteer as a charge nurse for disaster relief here in California. I worked the Paradies fire, the campfires. I and some of my colleagues from the general area were able to set up a community pop-up shelter for evacuees and patients and we kept that going for a month and a half. We brought in community doctors to fulfill prescriptions, inpatient care, wound care, housing. We were dealing with all these both medical but also public health issues. It’s nursing, but in the community form of nursing. I think that’s my favorite thing. The experience of a lifetime.
It’s nursing, but in the community form of nursing….The experience of a lifetime.
What advice do you give nurses starting out?
It’s gonna be really hard. And you’re going to feel like you’re drowning. And that is normal to some degree, we all had to go through it. Just time. And you’re going to get there. If you have a good team, they’re going to help you get there. It’s all going to be ok, even if you don’t feel like it.
Shannon’s Off-time
Being such a stressful job, how do you practice self-care, take care of yourself, or relax on your days off?
I live in Sacramento currently. It’s a pretty nice spot to go within an hour to do a bunch of stuff. Normally, I’ll spend it outdoors somehow: whether that’s going to the Bay Area, going on trail runs, going to a lake.
I actually just adopted a little special needs puppy last year—my Covid puppy. I spend a lot of time with June. She was born blind, but she doesn’t know the difference. She’s the happiest pup. I think I’ve learned more from her in the past year than she’s learned from me. I have an older Husky and she’s kinda helped guide her along, but we did have to get a trainer and learn how to do sound cues instead of visual cues.
Favorite nursing book, podcast, social media account?
I really like the NurseSpeak podcast. I mean it covers everything, like with nurses telling ghost stories in the hospital vs just normal nursing bloopers or they’ll have guest speakers or advice on different nursing topics like switching specialties for example or etcetera.
They actually have an Instagram account too which is how I found them—nurselifern. It’s actually a nurse in Chicago, Ebi. He is just so very, very candid about things, really holds nothing back. He’s actually a leukemia patient right now himself, but he is a fun patient. A very open way I think for all nurses. You’re going to find something to relate to on there. It’s a really tight-knit social media group.
Amalya Aleksanyan
You know nursing is the best, when…
you give it all and see the reward which is in your patient’s safety and recovery.
What advice would you give new nurses?
During the start of your career, get the best and the most knowledgeable nurses to train you. Always ask questions, take notes, be organized, have good time management skills. Do the same way every day, so it becomes a routine and you know where to find the info in your notes, prioritize, and always look up info and never assume!
What is the best advice you’ve received?
Nursing can be 24 hours. As long as you did everything to keep your patients safe, comfortable, and cared for, you did your job. Do all the best you can, but you have to leave the rest.
Amalya’s Journey
How long have you been a nurse?
About six years.
What inspired you to become a nurse?
First I was admitted to be a doctor in another country, then moved here and changed my field to linguistics. I used to translate French and German, but I was born and raised in Armenia then moved to Russia.
My roommate and friend here passed away. I felt she didn’t get appropriate care. Knowing myself, I knew that I would go above and beyond to fight to get help.
So that’s what brought me back to nursing. It was very hard shipping her body back to her home country.
Who helped you along the way?
Nobody. I didn’t have any relatives in the United States. I started working, getting my papers ready. I love to study. I was always a good student, straight As, and graduated with medals. That kept my strength, I think. I could cry and be hurt from breaking up with a guy, but I would never give up on studying. One thing in my life that always stays with me is my school education, studying, and hard work.
Where do you currently work?
I work at Stanford Health Care in Bone Marrow Transplant. My patients already went through chemo, radiation, and this is their last chance. It’s my third year now. I worked before in a community hospital and liked it and I also liked volunteering at El Camino Hospital for five years and had a great experience.
Amalya’s Day-to-Day
What is your favorite part of being a nurse?
There are so many favorite parts. I just love how we as human beings, people, can bring so much in the unit. I’m a nurse, but first I’m a human being, and I can listen and support you with what I can, and our conversations don’t go anywhere. We can listen and give emotional support.
Nursing is all about the details. We can put stuff together. The way we think, our management skills, organizational skills, prioritization skills. The more we work the better it becomes. It’s so cool to see how multitasking we are.
I check on my patients a lot, maybe I spoil them in a way. They have so much going on and nobody is there for them. Financial struggles, they aren’t working anymore and insurance doesn’t want to pay for certain things. I shouldn’t complain about anything.
What keeps you going on tough days?
Remember that first of all I chose this for a reason: I love this and it’s gonna get better. I remember one nurse gave me really good advice once because I would work double shifts and I would replace on so many shifts. She stopped me and said “Hey Amalya, take a deep breath. Nursing is 24-hour care. You do your best and leave the rest.” It’s hard. I’ll do as much as I can.
What makes you smile at work?
I like seeing my team. I love the girls I work with, how we come up with solutions and interventions. I love how my patients try to be strong, how they share their love life and kids and pictures. There’s so much more behind it. There’s so much hope and trust. When they’re happy and we try to cheer each other up. Everyone comes from different backgrounds and ethnicities. And we made our little cultural corner with a map and pictures of where we were all born. There’s Armenia, India, Africa, someone from every continent. And how people change majors. What they’ve been doing. How they became nurses, their experiences: one is from Johns Hopkins, really from so many places, and now we’re all in one place.
Do you have a catchphrase—a phrase you say repeatedly all day?
Count your blessings. Every little thing counts.
Amalya’s Reflections
What lessons or inspiration have you come away with from your life as a nurse?
That no matter what’s happening. I reflect. Remember and count my blessings. Count your blessings. Every little thing counts. Some people are really afraid to die and others are really ready because they’ve gone through so much. Let’s say one day they don’t throw up. We focus on the good and positive.
For me, know that there are bigger problems, bigger issues, worse things are happening. Comes from my upbringing too. My mom is my closest friend and she reminds me of how far I’ve gone and all the challenges and obstacles and we forget what we’ve gone through. The little things are the big things and that’s why we are where we are right now.
The little things are the big things and that’s why we are where we are right now.
What is your most treasured memory as a nurse?
When I really advocate for my patients. The most recent one was when we had a crisis when a patient crashed and cardiac arrest. Your brain is working because you want your patient to make it. You don’t know where the strength comes from. I pulled him up and put him on the table and did compressions. It took my shoulder a few months to recover afterward. Later my supervisor received a message, saying that it was the most organized and best approach she’s ever seen in her career. That’s a nurse who’s been a nurse for over thirty. The fact that she appreciated it and she actually messaged my manager to say that. You know we do so much and don’t get appreciated.
Amalya’s Off-time
Favorite ways to relax on your days off?
I love traveling. I go hiking, cycling. I went paintballing yesterday. I try rock-climbing and kayaking. You name it, I’ll try it. I love nature. Sometimes I go to the church to put my thoughts together. I walk every day, and my neighbors know me well. I love going to Carmel and playing on the beach. It’s really nice. I started paddleboarding. When my mom calls me and I’m home, she says “honey, what’s wrong?” I’m usually out doing something, something must be wrong if I’m home.
Favorite nursing book, podcast, social media account?
Randomly read articles. I found interesting articles or conferences back in the day. Fun when we can get together.
Devon Lowery, RN
You know nursing is the best, when…
You make a connection with someone and they truly appreciate you for giving your time and attention to them (or their child or their parents, etc). I have been so lucky to receive some truly heartfelt thank you’s which have reinvigorated my love of nursing!
What advice would you give new nurses?
Find mentors, groups to reach out to, and ways to further your knowledge. I love finding supportive nurse communities on IG or through other nurse friends. It helps so much when you may not feel confident as a new nurse.
Devon’s Journey
How long have you been a nurse?
I’ve been a nurse for about two years now. This is my second career. Before that, I was an administrative assistant.
What inspired you to become a nurse?
My mom is a nurse, so are my aunt and uncle. They all have done really different things. My aunt also got her law degree. She doesn’t work in a hospital anymore, but works for Kaiser doing chart review and quality assurance, because of her legal background she has an interesting perspective.
My uncle works as a firefighter. He has worked in the hospital as well in the Emergency Department.
My mom is retired now, but she worked in a hospital as a manager.
They all do.
My mom is a nurse, so are my aunt and uncle. They all have done really different things…law degree…firefighter…manager in a hospital.
Who helped you along the way?
My husband has been my biggest supporter. I don’t think I could have done it without him. Definitely, my mom because she’s been there and done that, so there was a lot she could relate to and give advice about. People I went through nursing school with, we leaned on each other and still do. We’re still texting each other to vent and with questions.
What was your first work experience as a nurse?
Med-Surg, but didn’t really care for it. But it was a good experience and gives a good foundation for everything that comes next.
Where do you currently work?
I do pediatric home health, and I also work at an eating disorder residential treatment center, which is how I heard about NurseRegistry. We have your nurses come to us. One nurse that we have a lot from you guys, she talks about all the interesting placements she has with NurseRegistry, so I went to the website to check it out and entered the #CelebrateNurses giveaway and here we are!
How long have you been working there?
One year
Devon’s Day-to-Day
What is your favorite part of being a nurse?
There’s so much variety, and you’re always learning something new. Even nurses who have been working for years are still learning because things are always changing.
What is your least favorite part of being a nurse?
The anxiety about doing something wrong. People are very fragile and it weighs on you.
What keeps you going on tough days?
The nature of the patients that I see, they’re long-term patients and I want to be there for them as they transform. And great co-workers, they lift you up and pull you through.
What makes you smile at work?
Relationships and seeing the changes over time. It’s something to look forward to, even when the job is tough, and spending time with people who appreciate the job.
Devon’s Reflections
What lessons or inspiration have you come away with from your life as a nurse?
People get judged a lot. Everyone deserves to be heard and have a supportive environment. We just don’t know what a person is going through.
People get judged a lot. Everyone deserves to be heard and have a supportive environment.
What is your most treasured memory as a nurse?
It’s really interesting because a lot of the residents are there for at least a month, some are there for two to four months. The first time that handed me a little thank you card. She was admitted on the very first day that I started. I did her intake. She was nervous, I was telling her it’s ok, it’s my first day too. And we joked about it for months. And when her last day came and she was being discharged, and she handed me the card. I was like “I can’t believe you’re leaving. We started together.”
It’s just so cool to get to know someone for that amount of time. When someone spends that much time there, they grow and change, and they look like a different person when they leave. And to be able to see that transformation is really special.
What advice do you give nurses starting out?
Find resources, find a mentor. There are so many great people on Instagram that do mentorship. Reach out. I love Diana Page of Selfcare Catalyst.
Devon’s Off-time
Favorite ways to relax on your days off?
Taking a walk to the beach and bike rides.
Favorite nursing book, podcast, social media account?
Straight A Nursing Student (podcast) and a lot of great resources on her website that I found really helpful, especially as a nursing student then as a new nurse.
There’s also The Anxious RN, she does a really cool podcast as well, and The Empowered Nurse, with Lacey Magen. All great podcasts.
Tiffany Tseng, WHNP-BC
You know nursing is best when…
You’re able to explain a difficult medical topic that they don’t understand. Patient education is the key for patients to be able to manage their own choices and their health.
What advice do you give nurses starting out?
Be curious, self-motivated, open-minded, and have a smile on your face. Integration to the new hospital/clinic’s culture is important, and those tips are usually universally welcome in any new job setting. Also, gain rapport with other nurses—they are a wealth of resources and can become your support group.
Tiffany’s Journey
How long have you been a nurse?
I’ve been a nurse for about eight years. Got my RN license in 2013, and NP in 2016.
What inspired you to become a nurse?
I actually worked at an OB/GYN doctor’s office first as a receptionist and seeing the patients coming into the clinic and the thought of being able to help them to have a successful pregnancy seemed very fulfilling to me. They were able to cross-train me, as a medical assistant. During my time working as a medical assistant, I realized nothing is better than seeing the “lightbulb” appear for patients. And working as a medical writer I learned to simplify complex medical topics in layman terms.
I considered other roles like physician assistant, but I liked the aspect of spending time with patients talking with them. I found that physicians don’t have time to sit and talk with patients.
Patient education is the key for patients to be able to manage their own choices and their health.
Who helped you along the way?
Ms. Vivia Edwards was my preceptor at a pain management and palliative care integration during my RN school years as a rotation. She was a huge influence, giving me another bump that nursing is right for me. She was strong for the patients and gave them reassurances. Although the nature of the rotation was sad (end of life), she made me see how a good nurse can make a big difference for someone toward the end of life. Also, the MDs I worked for in my first RN job were very validating and encouraging, giving positive feedback.
What was your first work experience as a nurse?
I worked as an RN in a fertility clinic in New York City (New Hope Fertility) for one year, then returned to do a Master’s for a nurse practitioner.
Where do you currently work?
HRC Fertility in Pasadena, CA
How long have you been working there?
5 years
Tiffany’s Day-to-Day
What makes you smile at work?
Positive pregnancy tests! Seeing fetal movement or first fetal heartbeat on ultrasounds with patients. I think the most fun part is when we first detect fetal heartbeats, patients are just so excited for it. Fertility center, they’re trying to get pregnant and were not able to. It’s always a huge moment that I love sharing with patients.
What phrase do you say repeatedly every day?
“The medical treatment process is a marathon, not a sprint. Hang in there, and results will come.” I say that a lot to my patients and sometimes to my coworkers and myself. Sometimes there are difficult cases, and all we can do is be patient, trust in the process.
Tiffany’s Reflections
What lessons or inspiration have you come away with from your life as a nurse?
Everyone’s situation/story is unique. Put yourself in the patients’ shoes for a few minutes. This also applies well in life/interacting with others.
Tell us a story about a time when you almost quit, then didn’t. What kept you going?
I’m fortunate I have not been in a crossroad like that (yet) – what usually keeps me going is knowing that even if I am having a bad day, I am still making a difference in the patients’ lives by trying to give them my best.
What is your most treasured memory as a nurse?
Patient-related: When patients “graduate” from our care to their OB doctors, and come back later to visit with their babies after delivery. Those are reminders of why I do what I do in the fertility/women’s health industry.
When patients “graduate” from our care to their OB doctors, and come back later to visit with their babies after delivery. Those are reminders of why I do what I do in the fertility/women’s health industry.
Work-related: When I was leaving my first nurse practitioner job, a lot of MAs & other RNs had written very heartfelt letters detailing how I inspire them at work, although I was just doing “my usual thing.” I still keep in touch with most of them and it always makes me happy when they continue their education and climb up the nursing ladder.
Tiffany’s Off-time
Favorite ways to relax on your days off?
Hiking in nature (preferably somewhere with water). Movies/trying out new restaurants (before COVID).
Favorite nursing book, podcast, social media account?
Nurse Blake (Instagram), Nurses on Fire (podcast), Dr. Chapa’s Clinical Pearls (podcast), Creogs over Coffee (podcast)
Knyxy Obnial, RN
You know nursing is the best, when…
You see “the look” from the patient or their family. Warning: this may come with tears or even a smile. Just by that, you know how thankful and grateful they are. No words are necessary. At the end of the day, you’ll always feel like you’ve made a difference. And sometimes, that’s worth more than any paycheck.
What advice would you give new nurses?
There are no stupid questions. It’s better to know than making an attempt that can potentially put the patient in danger. Volunteer to learn new things. Figure out how to step out of my comfort zone. Nursing is always progressing, and experiences will be endless.
Knyxy’s Journey
I’ve been a nurse for about six to seven years. My parents have been extremely supportive throughout my whole journey. They’ve sacrificed so much of their time and money to make sure I was focused in school.
I started off my career at Aurora Las Encinas Hospital, but I currently work at Adventist Health Glendale. I’ve been there for almost 3 years.
Knyxy’s Day-to-Day
I think my favorite part is getting to work with your coworkers. I think that having coworkers that you can work with really makes the job smoother. Well, my least favorite is probably patients who disrespect you or call you names when you’re trying to help them. These tough days though, you have coworkers to support you and help you get through it. Also, I always remind myself, “they’re sick. That’s why they’re here.”
Knyxy’s Reflections
I learned that there are parents who give up, and then those who will stay for their children even if it isn’t the safest. I work in Behavioral Health, and I’ve seen too many cases where middle-aged adults are admitted for assaulting their elderly parents. It truly breaks my heart. I think seeing these types of experiences helps you reflect on your own life.
A time that I almost quit—well at my first job, a doctor yelled at me and made me feel stupid because I was calling him. At first, I felt like I don’t want to work in a place where I’m disrespected by patients all day and by people who are on the treatment team with me. I ended up not quitting because I wasn’t about to leave a job because of one person. I think that made me into a stronger nurse. My advice for new nurses, know your stuff, and don’t let doctors make you feel less than you are. If you are mistreated, address the issue with your supervisor. You are a vital component of the health care system. You should not have to work in toxic environments.
My advice for new nurses, know your stuff, and don’t let doctors make you feel less than you are…You are a vital component of the health care system.
Knyxy’s Off-time
My favorite things to do on my days off are getting massages, trying out new restaurants, and having movie nights.
Alex Gibbons, BSN, RN
You know nursing is the best, when…
Your patient asks if you’re back tomorrow.
What advice would you give new nurses?
Never stop asking questions! Ever, ever, ever.
Alex’s Journey
How long have you been a nurse?
2 years!
What inspired you to become a nurse?
The desire to help people, love for the sciences, and flexibility with the job.
Who helped you along the way?
Friends, family, and my nursing cohort were pretty close.
What was your first work experience as a nurse?
I started in an emergency department within Phoenix, AZ.
Where do you currently work?
I still work in the emergency department, however, I am in Northern CA now.
How long have you been working there?
About 6 months.
Alex’s Day-to-Day
What is your favorite part of being a nurse?
Being able to help so many people. It is an unmatched joy.
What is your least favorite or pet peeve?
Not being able to fix everything.
What keeps you going on tough days?
Thinking about the good within that day and processing the difficult parts through conversation.
What makes you smile at work?
When a patient is genuinely thankful for the care.
Do you have a catchphrase that you find yourself saying repeatedly?
“Just a little poke…” with IV’s… every. single. time.
Alex’s Reflections
What lessons or inspiration have you come away with from your life as a nurse?
We can always do good for those around us, even in the smallest of ways.
Tell us a story about a time when you almost quit, then didn’t. What kept you going?
I had a patient who became increasingly agitated and resorted to violent behavior. This, of course, is insanely scary. In short, I was so thankful for my coworkers (other nurses, techs, and security) who assisted me and made sure that I was protected. You really become a family with your coworkers, it is such a special bond.
What is your most treasured memory as a nurse?
Any patient who has thanked me for what I had done for them. It is such an eye-opening reminder that nursing is so much more than just a job.
What advice do you give nurses starting out?
NEVER stop asking questions! This is so crucial.
Alex’s Off-time
Favorite ways to relax on your days off?
Spending time with my little girl Shiloh, gym, podcasts, audible, trying new restaurants.
Favorite nursing book, podcast, social media account?
I listen to quite a bit of audible and podcasts. Currently listening to Jordan Peterson‘s new book on Audible. Joe Rogan is hands down my favorite podcast. They aren’t nursing-related, however, a lot of concepts within the books I read/listen to and within the podcasts are applicable to working as a nurse.
Lynda Gutierrez, LVN
You know nursing is the best when…
You are taking care of someone at the end of life (hospice care) and you take the time to listen to the family and answer all of their questions and you pay attention to keep their loved one out of pain and make the passing easier for their family member and afterward they hug you with tears in their eyes and thank you. That’s the best!
What advice would you give new nurses?
I would tell them not to take shortcuts. And don’t get in a hurry. Take the time it takes to listen to what your patient is saying to you. Sometimes you are all they have.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
Don’t let others scrutinize you for taking care of your patients. Our patients go months without feeling the gentle touch of a kind person. Hold their hands. It goes a long way.
