I’ve always known that I wanted to be a nurse from a very young age. However, I never imagined that the worst experience of my life would be the inspiration and confirmation that I needed to pursue my dream and make it a reality.

 

Imagine yourself as a young mother with a sick toddler and no one willing to take time to listen to your concerns about your child’s health. It started with our first visit to the Emergency Department for a fever and a swollen lymph node. During the visit, the nurse came in to briefly to assess my child and then informed me that the doctor would be in shortly, not taking one moment to address any concerns that I may have had. The doctor came in and like the nurse briefly looked him over and stated that my child was likely experiencing a virus. He prescribed him an antibiotic and sent us on our way. In less than 24 hours, my son had hives covering him from his head down to his toes, his tongue was red and swollen, his lips where dried out and cracking, and still was running a fever. I frantically rushed back to the ED with my son; where again, he wasn’t given much attention by the nurse and the doctor insisted that it was still just a virus. He dismissed the additional symptoms saying that it was an allergic reaction to the antibiotic. Once again we were sent away without anyone taking the time to reassure me that he was correctly assessed, and that I had nothing to worry about, or that he would soon recover.

 

There I was a scared young mother looking into the eyes of my young sick child, not knowing what to do or if he would really be okay.  As I sat in the waiting room crying hysterically still knowing that it was something seriously wrong, not one person took the time to addresses my concerns or provide me with any comfort or support. I left the ED hoping that things would take a turn for the better, but again as the hours went past the symptoms proceeded to get worse. About 48 hours later I was on my way back to the ED. My son’s eyes were red and the palms of hands and soles of feet where swollen with a purplish red color. I was determined when I went in this time I was not going to leave. Upon arrival several nurses and doctors assessed him and still continued to tell me that it was just a virus and there was nothing else that they could do. Luckily this nurse practitioner who had heard about my several visits decided to take the time out to research my son’s symptoms and discovered that he had a very rare disease known as Kawasaki disease. He was admitted instantly and treatment was initiated. She showed so much concern and compassion. It wasn’t until then that I finally felt like my son nor I mattered. This was the first person who took the time out to consider how I could have been feeling. That nurse made a difference not only in my son’s life, but inspired me to continue to pursue my dreams of becoming a nurse and someday also making a difference in the lives of others.

As I look back over the past year and a half of nursing school, I am flooded with thoughts and emotions that range from severe anxiety all the way to an intense feeling of accomplishment.  While my sentiments may fluctuate from one extreme to the other, I have found many friends, family members, and most importantly, mentors and future colleagues, who have been supportive, understanding, and a guiding light to help me through my adventure.  This web of loyal people is clearly one of the main reasons I have been so successful up to this point in my student nursing career.

 

While reminiscing, one particular mentor continually comes to mind.  Ms. Sandra McNeely has been a wonderful role model, advisor, confidant, and teacher over the past year.  Now many might argue that because she is a faculty member, that it is her job and obligation to the nursing students of Houston Baptist University.  Suffice to say that this would be a true statement if all she did was come to class, give a lecture, and be on time for early morning clinicals.  I am sure this would fulfill her obligations; however, Ms. McNeely continually shows her passion for teaching and nursing by going the extra mile.  It is not uncommon to see her traveling about campus with her trusted day planner ready to schedule appointments and meetings with students.  In fact, Ms. McNeely exemplified such characteristics and truly stepped up to the plate this past semester when I was having a difficult time.  During the weeks before finals, when things tend to be most hectic, I was really feeling insecure about my test taking skills and very anxious about performing well on the upcoming final.  Ms. McNeely scheduled a time to meet and assured me that things would be okay.  Normally the “it will be okay” speech is not that reassuring, although coming from someone who not only talks the talk, but also walks the walk, I knew I would be in good hands.  In our meeting, Ms. McNeely listened to my fears, helped me to look at previous testing mistakes, and guided me towards a plan to be successful during the remainder of the semester.  While this may have been another run of the mill conference session, I truly felt taken care of and had a sense of restored confidence.

 

In addition to the many talents Ms. McNeely illustrates in the classroom setting, she also shines through as a clinical guru.  At first, her orderly and organized persona is a bit intimidating to a very green nursing student; however, as boundaries are set her unassuming and witty sense of humor begin to thrust to the forefront. One of features I admire most is Ms. McNeely’s ability to always put the patient and their rights ahead of everything else.  Throughout her many years of specializing in caring for the elderly population, she has perfected the gift of bringing each patient to life and instilling autonomy and dignity to their daily lives. Ms. McNeely truly has the capability of saying even the most unwanted news with poise and compassion.  These distinctions, among many others, are the countless reasons why Ms. Sandra McNeely is so highly regarded amid her peers, co-faculty, friends, and most important her student nurses.  I look forward to the upcoming challenges of ICU, knowing that I have excellent mentors, like Ms. McNeely, cheering and supporting me along the way.

Reassurance from a Marvelous Teacher

Kim Enger

TNSA Eastern Regional Director

Coworker Who Inspires

 

Carrie Gray

TNSA Western

Regional Director

 

In writing about someone that inspires me, I have come to the conclusion that there are so many incredible nurses that I have met throughout my endeavor as a student nurse that  I cannot possibly limit what motivates me to the attributes of one person.  The instructors at South Plains College are amazing, caring, and supportive role models that have molded me into a proficient, effective nurse through excellent guidance.  Along the path of this journey called nursing school, I have encountered many brilliant nurses in clinical and also while working at University Medical Center in Lubbock as a nurse tech.

 

If I had to choose one person to write about, it would have to be Bob Powell.  He is the charge nurse in the Surgical ICU where I work.  Bob is the kind of man that is always willing to help out.  He goes out of his way to teach new nurses while never appearing to be inconvenienced or hassled.  Bob was in the military where he served as a medic for two U.S. Presidents. Yet, he remains unpretentious and considerate.  At all times, he shows patients and their family empathy and compassion.  Bob is a true leader that exhibits all of the qualities of an excellent nurse as well as a remarkable person. He is an outstanding mentor that compels me to be the best nurse that I can be.