Behind the Mask | Nursing Careers

0945  My next patient is here for a lab draw from their port-a-cath; I’m proud that my knowledge of aseptic technique and pain prevention keeps my patient safe from infection and comfortable during the procedure.

1030  My next patient is here daily for six weeks to treat a systemic infection with IV antibiotics. I assess for side effects, administer the medication, and provide the necessary once weekly PICC dressing change.

1130  Lunch! I report to our Resource RN, who cares for my patients during my break. I can refuel for my afternoon and share a laugh with the team in our breakroom.

1215  A patient is here for treatment for polycythemia vera. I establish an IV line and draw labs. Upon reviewing results, the protocol indicates the patient will need phlebotomy followed by IV fluid replacement. I manage their care to prevent discomfort, dizziness, and hypotension during and post-procedure.

1330  My next patient is here for cycle 7, day 1 of chemotherapy with Taxol and carboplatin to treat ovarian cancer. When it’s time to administer, I complete the chairside safety check with a second chemotherapy-trained nurse to ensure all ordered criteria are met and support the best patient outcomes. During the carboplatin infusion, my patient has a systemic reaction to the medication. After quickly stopping the medication, I press the staff emergency button, and the nursing team immediately surrounds us to help manage the patient’s reaction symptoms. I appreciate the debrief with the team and the responding advanced practice provider to determine what’s next in supporting this patient in returning to baseline.

1500  My final patient arrives for their allergy injection; however, I’m still working to support my patient through their chemotherapy reaction. I tell the charge RN that I need assistance in caring for the allergy patient. Teamwork is our first, last, and middle name in the Oncology and Infusion Clinic; I am always comfortable asking for help and offering help when needed. It takes everyone on the team to support our patients and each other.

1600  Before heading home at the end of my shift, I report on the remaining patients to nurses who will be staffing the clinic until we close at 1800.

The Hospice clinical team is strong and everyone brings a unique set of skills, they support each other, and always put kindness and compassion first. They have cultivated a culture of caring, which is reflected in every interaction with the people they serve and each other.

If you are excited about caring for others, find joy in problem-solving, want to make a difference in the lives of others, and are willing to open your hearts to strangers, then this is a great opportunity for you.

The MA Apprentice program was a great opportunity. I like the way the program focuses on patient care. Not just learning in a school, but real, hands-on care with patients. I learn better this way than from a book! I’m lucky to have a really good teacher. I enjoy her support, and if I have any questions, I can just ask her directly. It’s really nice. One-on-one time with your teacher makes a big difference; every student in the program has that one-on-one support. They rotated us to go to different clinics, so I learned in a primary care clinic and women’s health, even in surgery. I learned a lot from this program, even though it’s only one year. You focus on what you are doing, and the time goes fast.

English is my second language, and in the beginning, it was hard to have perfect grammar when I wrote medical chart notes. It took me a while to figure it out, but I worked with my teacher and practiced and then it came quickly. When I moved over to the United States and took ESL to improve myself. Some people think to themselves, “I can’t work with people because I can’t speak English very well.” I would say to them, “Don’t give up! I know it’s hard but take your time, take it slow, and you can do it.”

I thank Jefferson Healthcare for giving me the opportunity to join the program. I really appreciate it!”