b'community nurse, formerly known as a parish nurse, toreverend. I am concerned about the spiritual and emotional provide preventive medical education and wellness care for thecomponent of these hardworking professionals. To further congregations. Seminars, blood pressure and glucose checksassist my colleagues to maintain that wholeness or well-being, were performed after services for the worshippers. This madeI went back to school and obtained my masters degree in a huge impact on focusing on the wholeness and the total well- pastoral counseling as well as a doctorate in divinity. I also being of a person.became a certified mental health instructor to further assist those struggling personally, clinically and socially. I currently Q: How has your career unfolded since graduation? volunteer as a spiritual care partner with the chaplains at MRMC A: My health care career path has developed in various seasonsto minister patients, families and fellow nurses in the hopes of in my life according to the plans of God. Starting as a nursingbringing inspiration into their lives. assistant, I graduated with a diploma in nursing from RMHQ: What advice would you give to nursing students?School of Nursing. I was employed as a staff nurse for six years and later became a nurse manager in critical care. I hadA: My advice to nursing students is to stay the course to follow the privilege to work in different clinical areas which includedyour dreams and aspirations no matter how hard it may seem. It behavioral health, telemetry, stepdown, neuro-surgical andwill take sacrifice and prioritization, but it will be worth it. Study endoscopy, which helped build my knowledge to efficiently takeand work hard. Always be ready to take advantage of learning of patients.opportunitieslarge or smallthat you may encounter. These learning experiences will prepare you for challenging situations Currently, I work in the quality department at Memorial Regionalin the future. Be curious and never be afraid to ask for help. Medical Center (MRMC) which still gives me a pulse on theQuestion something you do not understand, this can prevent accountability, competency and quality of care that is providederrors happening with your patients. Seek out your experienced by the providers and nursing staff.nurses to help guide your decision making. We all work as a team and no one is alone on this island with patient care. Q. Nurses have had a lot to manage since the pandemic. Always be consistent in showing compassionate care and be How have you made a positive impact? respectful and professional to all. Remember you are a human A. Nursing is a stressful job all by itself. When added stressorsbeing and need self and soul care to be replenished as you such as the COVID-19 pandemic, lack of personal protectiveempty out yourself for your patients. You are called to serve for equipment, high acuity of patients, and the nursing shortagea purpose and that is to be good help to those in need.took a toll on our colleagues, the meaning of patient care wentQ. Any last words?to a different level. These factors caused many to suffer with compassion fatigue which can alter ones well-being. As a nurse,A. The development of my career has truly been a journey these this is very close to my heart and I strive to be a blessing topast 40 years and every moment has been worth the ride. My those in need.current ambitions are leading me to provide a resource for the medical professionals (especially nurses) to maintain their well-Along with being a health care professional, I am an ordainedbeing while working. Flexible,[] 100% online RN-BSN degree[]Flexible and convenient, enrollQuality Educationpart-time or full-time[] Faculty and staff resources tofor Todays ensure student success[] Deadline for Fall Term:Professionals. June 15, 2023Apply Today at bsmcon.eduABHES, CCNE accredited24 |BSMCON Annual Report 2022'