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Cassandra, Registered Nurse at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center: Advize Career Interview
A career in nursing, as described by a Registered Nurse at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center, is a rewarding yet challenging journey.
The path begins with foundational education and customer service experience, skills which unexpectedly translate well to patient care.
A day involves direct patient care in a fast-paced critical care setting, requiring strong critical thinking skills and compassion.
The work demands physical and mental stamina, and success hinges on maintaining a healthy work-life balance through self-care practices.
While the American healthcare system presents challenges, the ability to help people and make a difference is profoundly fulfilling.
Potential nursing students should consider entry-level roles like Certified Nursing Assistant to gain experience and a foothold.
The unique perspective of a woman of color in this field highlights the importance of patient advocacy, particularly for marginalized communities.
Balancing academic demands, part-time work, and personal time is key, along with a proactive approach to developing strong interpersonal skills.
This career path allows for diverse opportunities, from bedside care to administrative roles, offering a chance to profoundly impact people's lives.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Cassandra Ritter
Registered Nurse
Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center
Glendale Community College, California State University, San Marcos , 2010
N/A
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Biology & Related Sciences
Healthcare
Medical
Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School
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Registered Nurse Career Path At Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center
Cassandra's career path began with general education and science prerequisites at community college, alongside customer service jobs that unexpectedly "helped in the general sense of customer service when caring for people". After gaining acceptance into a competitive nursing program, clinical rotations provided Cassandra's first healthcare experience, supplementing part-time customer service work throughout their associate's degree.
Main Responsibilities of a Registered Nurse at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center
Cassandra's main responsibility as a Registered Nurse in critical care at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center is "direct patient care," focusing on stabilizing and improving the condition of very sick patients, adhering to California's mandated nurse-to-patient ratios. This involves "assessment, medications, passing, giving," and collaborating with others to guide patients through their illness progression.
A Day In The Life Of A Registered Nurse At Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center
A registered nurse at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center works 12-hour shifts, involving "timed medications, assessments, and charting," along with significant collaboration with physicians and other departments to ensure optimal patient care; the work demands both "physical work" and "mental work," requiring constant critical thinking and problem-solving.
Most Important Skills For A Registered Nurse At Providence Saint Joseph
Cassandra, a Registered Nurse, emphasizes that "critical thinking skills" are paramount, requiring nurses to "put the pieces of a puzzle together" and act as "the eyes and ears" for patients, intervening early to prevent life-threatening situations. This skill, combined with "the art of caring and compassion," and the "science" of medical knowledge, forms the core of effective nursing practice.
Favorite Parts Of Being A Registered Nurse At Providence Saint Joseph
Cassandra, a Registered Nurse, most enjoys "help[ing] people," finding fulfillment in making a difference in patients' lives, regardless of their condition. The 12-hour shift schedule, allowing for a "block of days off," provides valuable flexibility, a key element in Cassandra's job satisfaction.
Biggest Challenges for a Registered Nurse at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center
Cassandra, a Registered Nurse, identifies the American healthcare system as the biggest challenge in her role, citing "limited access" and the frustration of wanting to do more for patients within its constraints. This highlights a moral challenge stemming from insurance complexities and regulations that contrast with what Cassandra perceives as superior healthcare systems in other developed countries.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Nursing Industry As A Registered Nurse
Cassandra's favorite aspect of the nursing industry is "helping people," a passion that motivated their career choice and continues to drive them. The ability to offer "empathy, care, compassion," even on difficult days, provides fulfillment and sustains their commitment to the profession.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Nursing Industry, According To A Registered Nurse At Providence Saint Joseph
Nurses who thrive maintain a strong work-life balance through self-care, "therapy, massages, meditation, family time," and setting boundaries; this is crucial given the demanding nature of the job, where "life and death and in between" are daily realities. Successfully separating work from personal life is key to long-term success in this emotionally and physically draining profession.
What a Registered Nurse at Providence Saint Joseph wishes they had known before entering Nursing
Cassandra, a registered nurse, wishes someone had prepared her for the unexpectedly intimate and physically demanding aspects of the job, revealing that "there's a lot more nakedness" and involvement with "bodily functions" than anticipated from previous retail experience. This intimate exposure to patients' physical needs and bodily fluids was a significant adjustment, although ultimately, Cassandra adapted well.
Entry-level positions for aspiring Registered Nurses at Providence Saint Joseph
For undergraduate students considering a nursing career, Cassandra, a Registered Nurse, suggests exploring roles like Certified Nursing Assistants ("you can get a sneak peek of a nurse's day") or monitor technicians, which offer "patient care background" and "get your foot in the door" at a specific medical facility, providing valuable experience before or during nursing school.
Significant Career Lesson from a Registered Nurse at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center
Cassandra, a registered nurse with twelve years of experience, emphasizes the crucial lesson of separating work and personal life, describing it as "turning yourself off at home," a skill particularly challenged during the intensity of the COVID-19 pandemic but ultimately vital for maintaining a healthy work-life balance in a demanding profession where one deals with "life, sometimes joyous occasions...very sad occasions."
College Experiences That Helped a Registered Nurse at Providence Saint Joseph Succeed
To prepare for a nursing career, Cassandra recommends balancing school, work, and personal life, stating that "balancing is super important and that creates a lot of success". This skill, combined with strong interpersonal skills developed through networking during clinical rotations and focusing on good customer service, translates to success in diverse nursing roles, from bedside care to case management or medical device sales.
How Identity Has Influenced A Registered Nurse's Career At Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center
Cassandra's experience as a woman of color in nursing centers on patient advocacy, particularly for minority groups whose pain is often dismissed; the registered nurse notes that "I am always doing a little bit extra for that patient to make sure that patient is being seen, heard, or paid attention to, and not dismissed," highlighting a critical role in ensuring equitable care.
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