Pennsylvania Nurse, Front Page 2017 Issue 1 | Page 16

PSNA Member Highlight
Randy, tell us about yourself.
I work full-time nights on 4-South,
which is a combination unit at Rid-
dle Hospital in Media, PA. We care
for orthopedic, spine, general medi-
cal, general surgical, and telemetry
or cardiac patients. 4-South is one
of the best—if not the best—unit to
start on for new graduate nurses or
nurses who are starting or restarting
hospital nursing. The patient popu-
lation is so diverse that we remain
current on an array of nursing skills,
knowledge, and protocols. There is
always someone asking a question
and a team of support to help us
through those nights when every-
thing seems to go wrong.
Randy T. McGonigal, Sr., BSN, RN
I was a patient care technician and monitor technician for 14 years before finishing my ADN at Dela-
ware County Community College (DCCC) and passing the NCLEX. During that time, I became very
interested in cardiology, electrophysiology, and critical care nursing. My current specialties are ortho
with a focus on spines and telemetry nursing. I completed my BSN through Drexel University in
March. The program enabled me to take one online class at a time throughout the year while simulta-
neously completing nursing courses and clinicals through DCCC. In September, I’ll return to school as
I embark on an MSN in nursing education at Drexel.
My hobbies are work and school—just kidding! I have four kids and my fifth is due in June. I love play-
ing guitar, singing, and song writing. I’m starting to get back into the open-mic night scene and will be
performing at various pubs and coffeehouses. I will also begin volunteering at Community Volunteers
in Medicine (CVIM) in West Chester this summer.
How did you become a member of PSNA?
My DCCC nursing professors shared how if every nurse was automatically enrolled in their state profes-
sional nursing association and the ANA, our legislative power would be unmatched and influential.
That stuck with me. ANA and PSNA were the first two organizations that I joined. These were quickly
followed by the AACN. PSNA’s Young Nurse Professionals provided an amazing discount when I joined
both PSNA and ANA. This discount is still available to RNs within their first five years of practice.
What is your proudest moment as a nurse?
I have far too many to pick just one. Connecting with my patients and coworkers brings me joy. I
also take pride in being able to go above and beyond in a meaningful way. Picking up an error before
it reaches the patient builds confidence. Overall, I’m extremely proud to be an RN ... and especially
proud to be a “murse.”
Issue 1 2017 Pennsylvania Nurse 14