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Why did you decide to go
into nursing?
I worked
as a medical assistant after I graduated from high school. (My mom advised me
to choose medical assisting rather than the office secretary program I ws
looking into). While working in a clinic I saw what helping people was really
about. There were many patients with many different problems. I was especially
blessed to have some of them confide in me. It was during those years that I realized
I wanted to be able to help more. I attended LVN school at age 25.
Why are you specifically
drawn to working with children?
Working with
children is such a rewarding experience. Being there to listen is such an
important thing. Sometimes all a kid needs is to be heard. You can gently
advise them with problems they are having. One job of the nurse is educator.
Educating them empowers a young mind and can help them make good choices. Some
kids don't know how good they can feel by eating healthy foods, getting a good
night's rest and taking care of themselves. They need to be told that they can
achieve their dreams if they apply themselves. They need to be told that they
are smart and that each person has their own gifts. Every person can have a postive
effect not just the kids who make the best grades.
How do you feel that you
are most able to help people through your work?
Building a
relationship will allow a child to trust you. When they trust you they will
turn to you when they have a problem. Sadly, not all problems can be fixed.
Sometimes it helps to talk things through and encourage them to do their best.
Kids come to the school nurse for many more reasons than just a band-aide or an
ice pack.
What have you learned
about people's/children's needs and emotions through your work as a
nurse?
Listening
has enlightened me. I learned that many people have such a different point of
view. Our experiences shape who we are. Some people don't believe that they can
make a difference. Kids need to be told that they matter.
Working
with underprivileged kids has taught me to be more grateful. There are people
who don't take such things as a meal or clean clothes for granted. It's these
kids who need to be told that they are important. They are the ones that are
teased at school. These kids think they are less important than people who have
lots of material things. It's simply not true. It's heartbreaking.
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