Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/1504258
19 NURSING SPOTLIGHT 'Invest in the best shoes you can': What experienced nurses want newer peers to know By Bari Faye Dean N urses with decades of experience have been there, done that, seen and heard it all. ey are more than willing to share advice about what they wish new nurses could already know and feel today that would help strengthen their practice. Experienced nurse Marlaina DeSimone, BSN, RN, at Los Angeles-based White Memorial Medical Center, told Becker's new nurses should never be afraid to ask for help but also to know that, years of experience aside, "even [experienced nurses] need help sometimes." Click here to read about what new nurses want senior nurses to know about those who began their careers by jumping into the pandemic chaos. What do experienced nurses wish newer ones knew about the profession? ere's advice about what new nurses can, and should, do right now that could alter their experience as a nurse forever. "Find a mentor. Always do your best. Ask a million questions. Give of yourself freely. Care about the person behind the condition. Advocate for your patient until you're blue in the face no matter how scary it feels," said Caitlin Jeanmougin, DNP, MSN, RN, of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. "Find your tribe and love them hard, because nobody understands the life of the nurse except your fellow nurses." It shouldn't be a surprise that while there are so many things new nurses can do to become more confident and skilled now, experienced nurses are also quick to give them a glimpse of what years of service may very well add to their nursing toolbox. Aer 30 years, Michelle Salva, BSN, RN, at Shriners Children's New England in Springfield, Mass., told Becker's, "Upon your journey, you will collect memories and experiences and most certainly will one day reflect back as to how many lives you have touched. Your mind will be challenged, your feet may be sore and every day will be different — but your heart will be full." e bottom line is that a nurse's education is lifelong. e most important piece of advice, Janet Amirkhanian, DNP, MSN, director of patient care services and nurse executive at Shriners Children's Southern California in Pasadena, said, "is to embrace a mindset of lifelong learning." Editor's note: Responses have been lightly edited for clarity and brevity. Candace Amato, BSN, RN. Director of Medicine Division/Nurse Administration at Tampa (Fla.) General Hospital: As medical science and technology continues to evolve and cutting-edge advancements increase survivability for previously terminal diagnoses, we cannot forget the basic fundamentals of nursing. Regardless of all the breakthroughs in healthcare, communication and teamwork will always be essential. Effective communication and collaborative teams not only promote healthy work environments but also improve quality and safety. Janet Amirkhanian, DNP, MSN. Director, Patient Care Services/Nurse Executive at Shriners Children's Southern California (Pasadena): With the healthcare landscape changing so quickly, there will be more complex conditions due to the rise of chronic diseases and comorbidities. With an aging population, nurses should be ready to handle diverse patient needs and be prepared with the critical thinking skills necessary to provide safe, high-quality care. Ginger Beckom, MSN, RN. City of Hope Atlanta: Nursing is a very rewarding, but a very demanding, career. ere is a balance that needs to be maintained between professional life and family life. Know that working in a hospital is hard work; there will be good days and not-so-good days. Elizabeth Caffery, RN. Children's Hospital New Orleans: It's important for new nurses to know that burnout is real, whether it happens at four weeks or four years. We deal with hospital issues (like short staffing), personal issues (like not being able to sleep or family obligations) and patient issues (like a 16-year- old adjusting to being paralyzed). It's difficult to juggle all these things, but knowing where to turn for support, and that things usually get better, helps. It's also important to know that there are so many options in nursing. If you're not happy in a particular department in a hospital, seek another department that you may be more comfortable in. If you're not happy with hospital nursing, try a clinic position. It is important to know that there are so many options in this field. Marlaina DeSimone, BSN, RN. White Memorial Medical Center (Los Angeles) and Saddleback Memorial Medical Center (Laguna Hills, Calif.): Everybody wants to be seen as a person. Being a nurse is more than the IV and giving meds, people are not tasks. Look at the person — it's a human experience. Kimako Desvignes, MSN, RN. Associate Nurse Director, Hematology, Oncology, Bone Marrow Transplant and Hospice, Cedars-Sinai,(Los Angeles): Nursing is not easy. ere will be happy days, sad days, days you want to pull your hair out, days you want to scream and days you will give 1,000 percent of yourself to make your patient and family happy. Remember what led you to be a nurse and remember why you are still a nurse. Do not forget to care for yourself, mentally, spiritually and physically. If your spirit and mind are not healthy, the care you give to others won't be either. Kerri Elsabrout, DNP, RN. Vice President of Patient Care Services at White Plains (N.Y.) Hospital: Learning does not stop aer receiving your diploma or aer your first year of nursing. As the healthcare environment is continuously changing, so do the people that you connect with, including your colleagues and patients. As time goes on, you will continue to learn, change and grow — and you have to embrace that. at's the beauty of nursing. No two days, nor two years will ever be the same, but with time you will see that you consistently make a meaningful difference in the lives of so many. Janelle Fletcher, BSN, RN. Intensive Care Unit at Raritan Bay Medical Center (Perth Amboy, N.J.): As a nurse, it is important to remember your why. Nursing is a calling. Being a nurse is a commitment. It is important to know your limitations as a new nurse and to not hesitate to reach out to your senior co- workers. Collaboration allows us to provide the best care, comfort and patient experience. Respect to patients, visitors and co-workers creates a healthy work environment, as teamwork makes the dream work. Jennifer Graham, DNP. Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center (Lanham, Md.): Working as a nurse in a hospital is always evolving with technology and evidence-based practice. You must commit to being a lifelong learner. Even with 32 years of experience, I am open to change