Registered Nurse

Where do you work and what is your title ?

- I work in the intensive care unit at the Health Sciences.

- I am a BNRN ( bachelor of nursing registered nurse).

- I started working at this job in May 2000.

How did you find this job ?

- I was working in Calgary and really wanted to come home to Newfoundland, so I put in resumes to several hospitals in Newfoundland and got a job at the Health Sciences.

What nursing school did you attend ?

- I attended Memorial University of Newfoundland.

How long did you go to university?

- I started MUN in Sept. 1987 – Dec. 1992.

- I graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing Degree.

Did you get a nursing job right after you graduated?

- In May 1993, I worked casual ( on call ) at the Janeway. I had a student loan to pay , so I decided to move to the USA.

- I moved to Baton Rouge , Louisiana. I worked there from Aug. 1993 – Aug. 1997.

- I then moved to Panama City, Florida and worked there for a year.

- I moved back to Canada in 1998 and worked in Calgary, Alberta until April 2000.

How was working in the USA different then in Canada ?

- The nurse/patient ratio was higher.

- you didn’t get breaks every shift.

- You get paid better.

- You get promoted faster – it didn’t go by seniority like in Canada.

- no unions.

What skills do you use most often ?

- Assessment skills – need to assess the patient to determine if his/her condition has changed.

- Communication skills – must transfer information to doctors and families.

Did any courses in high school prepare you for this work ?

- Biology – it was good to study the human body and all the systems.

- Math – you have to calculate drug doses and drip rates.

What are the benefits of your job?

- Working with a great group of kind and caring people.

- Medical / dental benefits.

- Sick days.

- Family days.

- Holidays.

- Good salary.

- Can go anywhere and work as a nurse.

What is your favorite part of your work ?

- The satisfaction you get when you see someone recover from a very serious illness / accident. I know that , in some way , my knowledge and skills helped this person survive. Its very rewarding.

What are the most difficult part of your work ?

- Seeing people suffer. Unfortunately not all outcomes are good , and at times its very sad and difficult.

- Also, having to work holidays and special events is not good. I sometimes miss out on important family events.

Do you enjoy what you do ?

- I do enjoy being a nurse. It’s a very rewarding and fulfilling job. It is hard work at times , but it has many benefits. We work as a team and there is always someone there to help you out. No one is left on their own. The money is good also.

What are the hours of your job ?

- I work shift work. 12 hour shifts of days and nights.

- I work 75 hours in a two-week period.

- We do self scheduling in our unit, so the schedule I submit benefits me. There are guidelines to follow and it usually works out well for all.

What is the salary scale like for this job ?

-the salary scale is very good until you reach the top and then you stay there until contract changes occur.

- There are 6 steps. You go up a step each year.

- no bonuses.

- The pay is good. However, I think everyone should get some raise every year.

What was your very first job and how did it influence you ?

- My first job was in the summer of 1987. I worked with the recreation committee in my hometown organizing and supervising kids t-ball and soccer teams.

- I knew then that I didn’t want to be a teacher or daycare worker.

What influenced you on your job choice ?

- Teachers – encouraged me to go to university.

- Parents – encouraged me to follow my dreams .

- My love for science and math took me to the medical field.

- Independence – I wanted to make my own money and buy myself nice things.

- Travel – I like to travel and nursing gave me that opportunity.

What are your future plans ?

- Retirement – I have a few years left yet before I retire . I will stay in the nursing field but probably in a less intense area. I hope to work in a clinic or public health in a few years.

- Its important to like what you do and I like nursing.

What advice would you give someone new in the workforce ?

- Look, listen and learn.

- Don’t be afraid to ask questions. We all were in your place at one time.

- Be eager and willing to learn.

If you could chose, what else would you do ?

- I probably would do accounting. Math was one of my favorite subjects in school.

If you could change anything about your career, what would it be and why ?

- I chose this career because it satisfied my needs – money, independence and travel. I accomplished it all. Probably the only change I would make would have been to travel more before I moved back home.

ThankYou !