Page 6 - National Nurses Week 2020

6M CELEBRATING NATIONAL NURSES WEEK SUNDAY, MAY 10, 2020 • ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE
NURSING
PROFILE
Carolyn Martin, BSN, RNP, CPN Acute/chronic pain nurse coordinator
Allie Lee,
BSN, RN, CPN Ambulatory surgery nurse
Arkansas Children’s Little Rock
Q: What is the most rewarding part of your job? Carolyn: It is very rewarding to watch my daughter, Allie Lee, follow in the nursing profession and to be able to witness as she develops her skills, her compassion and care for her patients. She is an excellent nurse and patient advocate. I am privileged to see little rewards that occur every day. By saying this, I don’t want to make it seem like it is all unicorns and rainbows because there are definitely some very hard days. But it is in those good days, when you are able to see a child reach a new goal, finish their last chemotherapy or get to go home after a long difficult illness ... you experience a feeling that is unexplainable, incredibly special and most rewarding. Allie: It is a blessing to me to have the privilege of being a small part of seeing lives changed, whether
through surgery, treatment or recovery. It’s a team effort, most definitely, and knowing that everyone is working toward the same goal of helping the patients and their families reminds me daily that I am doing what I was called to do.
Q: What made you want to become a nurse? Carolyn: I wanted to be a nurse as a small child. As I matured and sought God’s will for my life, I realized that I wanted to help people and that I loved kids. It was very evident to me that being a pediatric nurse was my calling, and I have never regretted one minute of it. Allie: I have always wanted to do something to help people. Growing up, I was drawn to helping kids in whatever capacity I could, whether at church or by going on mission trips, etc. With my mom, Carolyn Martin, being a pediatric nurse, and with me seeking God’s plan for my life, I quickly learned it was something I wanted to pursue. I knew it would always be a job with a lot of versatility and security.
Q: What are your future goals for your career? Carolyn: My career goals at this time are to be the best version of me that I can be and to continue to seek learning opportunities every day.
Allie: I hope to always continue to learn and grow in my current role and become a strong, experienced pediatric nurse who is a positive example and a leader for others.
There are a variety of qualities that make great nurses. Nurses must be adaptable because each shift can present unique situations.
Qualities that can make a good nurse
CHI St. Vincent brings together more than 4,500 co-workers, 1,000 medical staff, 300 providers and 500 volunteers to nurture the healing min- istry of the church across central and southwest Arkansas. Committed to providing compassionate care at its four hospitals and many clinics across the state, the faith-based, nonprofit health system works to emphasize human dignity, create healthier com- munities and ensure that all people, particularly those who are poor and vulnerable, have access to quality health care.
United by the belief that together we’re better, CHI St. Vincent employ- ees share a commitment to provid- ing compassionate, excellent care. In return, co-workers enjoy a wide range of employee benefits, including competitive pay, paid vacations and extensive health-insurance packag- es with a holistic approach to care
coordinated through the Arkansas Health Network.
CHI St. Vincent also provides a positive, mission-oriented work envi- ronment that celebrates innovation in the healing process and consistently receives praise for advancements in care. Those with the skills and passion for making a difference also benefit from growth and advancement oppor- tunities across CHI St. Vincent and CommonSpirit Health, which operates 137 hospitals and more than 1,000 care sites across 21 states.
Those who are committed to pro- viding compassionate care in their community and seeking a career that offers greater opportunity, in- spiration and fulfillment can find re- warding work every day at CHI St. Vincent, alongside co-workers who share this passion. Learn more about open CHI St. Vincent positions at www.chistvincent.com/careers.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
CHI ST.VINCENT
Nurses are the unsung heroes of the medical profession. While nurses may not often bask in the limelight, their roles are indispensable, and that fact figures to garner considerable attention in the years to come.
According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, a nursing shortage is expected to intensify as the baby-boomer generation ages and the need for health care grows. That looming shortage may compel many people to consider careers in nursing. Such a consideration should include recognizing some of the many qualities that can make a great nurse.
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
Nurses often serve as conduits between patients and their doctors. As a result, nurses must be effective communicators. Nurses may be tasked with explaining complex medical issues and protocols, oftentimes doing so when patients may be at very low points in their lives. The ability to effectively communicate at such times can serve nurses and their patients well.
PROFESSIONALISM
Nurses often confront stressful situations while on the job. In such instances, nurses must be able to maintain their professionalism so they can calmly confront any obstacles they may encounter. That professionalism in the face of adversity can inspire others
to remain calm, helping to ensure that patients in need get the care they require and deserve.
TIME MANAGEMENT
Many nurses work long shifts, and during those shifts, they are given a host of responsibilities. As a result, nurses must be skilled at the art of time management.
ADAPTABILITY
No two nursing shifts are ever the same. As a result, nurses must always be ready to adapt to new and unique situations. That flexibility can help nurses to effectively confront and manage challenging scenarios, oftentimes while patients’ lives may be on the line.
CRITICAL-THINKING SKILLS
Some situations nurses confront are more urgent than others. In situations when nurses are not tasked with making quick decisions, they still need the ability to think critically and solve problems that can improve and inform patient care.
The nursing profession can be fulfilling and rewarding and is always challenging. Successful nurses meet those challenges by relying on a host of traits that make them uniquely qualified to handle the adverse situations they face each day.
— Courtesy of Metro Creative