Pennsylvania Nurse, Front Page 2017 Issue 1

Do you have a mentor? I’m blessed to have many mentors. My first mentors were my mother and grammy. My mother was an ICU/CCU nurse for 15 years before transferring to outpatient cardiac rehab. While she was working the evening shift, I’d beg my father to take me to visit her. When I set foot in her unit, it felt like I was meant to be there someday. Watching my mother and her coworkers care for people modeled high-quality patient-centered care before it was trending. My grammy told me that I took the best care of her and that she could see me as a nurse. When I began working in the hospital, my mother would remind me “treat each patient as if they were your grammy.” I think of this every time I head to work or walk into a patient’s room. A Nursing Degree For Those Who Expect More American Public University understands today’s nursing environment. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the RN to BSN program helps you balance your busy schedule with respected, affordable nursing education that’s 100% online. Learn from a nationally recognized leader in online education. Get started today at StudyatAPU.com/Penn-BSN How are you involved with PSNA? In 2016, I was on the YNP leadership team. Although I took a step back as I finished my BSN, I am looking forward to getting back into YNP events! How has your volunteer firefighter experience im- pacted your career? Volunteering as a firefighter and ambulance driver was a rewarding experiences. There was the thrill of racing to the scene with lights and sirens, the buzz as we worked on patients in cardiac arrest or entrapments, and the relief of a quick save or efficient transfer of care. Pulling into EDs and unloading patients to bring them in and report off to the nurses brought a level of professionalism and camara- derie that pulled me deeper into nursing. Every ambulance response reminded me of my dream to become a nurse. I learned a lot of basic care skills as a firefighter and ambulance driver/attendant. The most ben- eficial and valuable skill I learned was that of communicating with the patient and remaining calm amid emergency situations. We want you to make an informed decision about the university that’s right for you. For more about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed each program, and other important information, visit www.apus.edu/disclosure. The baccalaureate degree in nursing at American Public University System is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, One DuPont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036, 202-887-6791. The nurse-patient relationship is one of the most sacred, fundamental, and foun- dational aspects of nursing. Rather than rushing to respond, it is important to listen, understand, and empathize. I would tell a new-to-practice RN to join at least one specialty nursing organization and read at least one specialty nursing journal. Any final tips for readers? Please remember to treat each patient as if they were your adored grammy! Issue 1 2017 Pennsylvania Nurse 15

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