PSNA Member
Highlight
Caroline Miller, BSN, RN
Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC
Caroline, tell us about yourself:
I live in Pittsburgh and work at UPMC Children’s Hospital’s rehabilitation unit.
I earned my BSN at Duquesne University (under the mentorship and education of PSNA President Dr. Mark Crider). I love
playing with my golden doodle puppy
, spending time with friends and family, and watching my huge list of TV shows.
What are you passionate about?
This is actually something I talk about all the time with my family and friends. I’m truly passionate about many different
aspects of nursing ... being a pediatric nurse ... being a school nurse ... taking professional leadership positions on boards
... volunteering for non-profits. The list is endless!
Do you have any tips for new-to-practice nurses or nursing students?
Allow yourself to question your path every day. Your job today may feel like your dream job — but that can change. The
beauty of nursing is that you can go anywhere and everywhere. Don’t ever tell yourself that you can’t move around in the
nursing field. Be willing to try new specialties and areas of nursing. You won’t regret it!
Do you have a story that you would like to share that impacted your career?
I will always remember one of my first patients who touched me more than anyone or anything in my career. She was close
to my age. We held similar goals and life passions. And she had terminal cancer. I struggled with her finite diagnosis. In
her final moments, she held my hand as she told me that I reminded her of her best friend. This story is not meant to be
sad. Instead, I want to share how powerful our impact is on our patients.
What are your future goals?
I’ll continue to gain in-patient and outpatient pediatric experience. My overall goal is to balance being a school nurse, be-
ing involved on nursing boards, and having a family.
Why do you think it is important that RNs join PSNA and/or get involved at the state level?
This type of involvement allows you to see a completely different side of nursing. Bridging from NSNA to PSNA has al-
lowed me to confidently make connections and have important conversations. In some instances, success is both “who you
know and what you know.” The people that I have met through PSNA and state-level involvement have transformed me as
a nurse. I’ve absorbed knowledge about laws and policies affecting the profession. I’ve listened to and attended presenta-
tions about breakthrough technologies and products. I’ve met individuals and agencies offering potential future employ-
ment. The list is endless!
Issue 73, 1 2018 Pennsylvania Nurse 14