Hey everyone! This is out last post for our dreams and goals series! I hope you all have enjoyed each career that we shared about. Our last in this series is from a friend of mine Catie on being a nurse!
Catie Rohrig is the oldest of five girls and has been caring for others since she was very little. Her mother is a nurse and father is a doctor, so she transitioned into the health care field naturally. She decided to pursue a career in nursing because she wants to have a family and knew it would allow her time to devote herself to both dreams. While in college at OSU she was a technician several days a week to help gain experience. After graduating she took a job at Riverside Hospital in the Neurology Critical Care unit. Although her career has its challenges, she loves it and thoroughly enjoys working with her patients! Here are five tips Catie gave us about becoming a nurse:
- Focus on school.
While you’re in school take it seriously. For that season, see it as your job. I’ve seen plenty of people spread themselves too thin with other activities and jobs, and then fail their classes. If you don’t take school seriously, you will only waste your time and money. It will be worth it in the end because you will be obtaining the career you really want!
- Get experience.
While I was in school I was a technician a couple days a week. This helped me gain an understanding of working with patients and gave me experience for my resume.
- Don’t stress too much about the NCLEX.
The NCLEX is the test you have to take after graduation. It is easy to get stressed out about it, but remember you have learned everything you need to know in school. Of course, studying is key to help you pass, but make sure to rest and stay healthy for the test as well. If you can study with friends, it will ease the pressure.
- Understand your patients.
Being a good nurse means meeting people where they are. It is easy to judge someone in a situation that you’re not in and get frustrated. Take the times to listen and hear what they have to say. Understand that they are under a lot of stress and try to understand them on a human level. I give and get hugs all the time from patients. I cry with a lot of them too. Empathy and compassion go a long way in nursing.
- Leave work at work.
Every 12 hours at least one person dies on my unit. I am constantly surrounded by death. Now, that is not true for every nurse, but it’s important to understand how to stay strong for those around you and to relax at home.
That’s it for our January dreams and goals series! I had so much fun talking with each lovely lady this month. Thank you all for your time and tips!
