I didn’t grow up knowing that I was going to be a nurse. I don’t know if that’s your story or not, but I definitely was undecided for a long time!
I always LOVED the health and sciences. I was practically obsessed with the idea of going to medical school and becoming a surgeon after I saw a brain surgery video at the science museum in Minnesota in 2nd grade until I started working bedside and directly caring for patients.
I worked as a CNA during my initial undergrad in biochemistry and molecular biology. I completed an LPN program at Lake Superior College in between meeting my premed requirements with still the intention of eventually applying to medical school.
As a working LPN, something didn’t sit right with applying to Med school just yet, and I felt that I had a duty and purpose at the bedside, as I belonged there. I then completed an LPN to RN program at Lake Superior College and began working in the intensive care setting.
After being exposed to the ICU setting initially as a new grad RN in burn intensive care, the opportunities and learning experiences were endless. I always had an inclination and passion for hearts and cardiac surgical nursing, which then led me to apply and then landing a job in the surgical intensive care unit (I was just as scared/nervous to start this job as I had all of the rest!!). I remember it was my birthday week, and I jumped up and down after I got off the phone with HR. I was SO DANG EXCITED to now have to opportunity to work with surgical intensive care patients. I literally did a happy dance, and my BF Cody got it on camera!
Still, with the thought of eventually applying to medical school, I wanted and had to complete some sort of 4-year degree. At the age of 25, I had completed a grand total of 8 years of college at this point… between almost having a biochemistry degree and finishing all premed requirements, my AA, my LPN, and my two year RN degree. I get that I needed to complete something, so I completed my BSN at Penn State in December of 2019!
During my time in SICU, I 100% fell in love with taking care of surgical intensive care patients, specifically the postoperative cardiothoracic surgery patients. I am in love with the challenge, the coaching and mentoring from experienced staff on these patients, and the complexity of surgical patients’ care. It’s trying to maintain homeostasis after going through such a massive operation.
I was blessed with an opportunity to shadow a few times in the operating room and see the surgeons, DNPs, PAs, FAs, surgical techs, perfusionist, anesthesiology team, and everyone else apart of that cardiothoracic surgery team perform their duties and I was 100% hooked. I wanted/want nothing more than to be able to have the opportunity to be apart of a team like that and to take part in the surgical operations as a First Assist DNP. A decision was made, and I applied to a DNP Acute Care Program, was accepted, and now I’m in the second semester of my doctorate program, and I couldn’t be any more excited.
My hopes are that one day there might be a bridge program for advanced practice nurses like myself who have an interest in bridging to MD or DO, but I’m
Trying to take life one semester and one shift at a time now.
There’s no point in planning my entire future. How I’ve been precisely directed has led to me finding my true and current calling to work on a surgical cardiothoracic surgery team.
Now falling in love with the bedside was what initially led me to hesitate to apply to medical school. Still, my interests have changed, and it doesn’t mean that I don’t want to be apart of the bedside anymore because I genuinely and honestly cherish those intimate, raw, vulnerable moments that staff at the bedside get to experience. I realized that I can still experience these moments in advanced practice. I’m being pushed into this direction, and it will allow me to pivot further if my passion changes. I’ll get to work in the OR, clinic, and the ICU eventually and still be bedside for assessments and rounding.
I cannot be more excited to hear your story about your journey to your current job or the one you’re working towards. If you’re unhappy with your position or specialty in health care, there are many different places and fields and units to try out. I am such a pusher of doing what makes you happy!
Even with the challenges of 2020, I could not be happier to be a part of the CVICU team that I get to be a part of now. I am learning so much EVERY SINGLE DAY, and I cherish the teaching moments I get from more experienced staff, and I cherish teaching newer staff. Someone can always learn something from someone.
- Be coachable.
- Remember your why.
- Be on a pursuit of happiness.
- Apply for that job!! //If it scares you, then you’re probably applying for the right position (I was terrified applying and starting in ICU immediately as a new grad and then still terrified to transitioning to a surgical intensive care unit)//
Yes, there will be bullies and people who won’t be helpful to you. This is prevalent in every single job and position actually, and instead of taking it personally (yeah, I know it’s hard not I’ve been there…). Just hope in your heart that those people find whatever they are looking for in themselves, and simply focus on those nurses who want to help and teach you because there are LOTS. Besides, you don’t need that kind of negative energy in your life… 🙌🏻
What’s your journey, and what lead you to your current position? Is there a direction you feel like you’re being pulled to? Something you’re pushing away from?
Comment below and subscribe to the email list to not miss any of the freebies, podcast episodes, and goodies made just for you!
Cheers 🥂
XO Nurse Dani
