Reflecting on the movie NURSES, there was so many different types of nurses that take care of different patient populations. We were able to get an inside look on what it is like to be in their position and what they think while doing their jobs. The nurses exemplified a love for their job that I have yet to see in real life. They are so selfless and care so deeply for their patient population. I would love to continue to develop my love for nursing and have the attitudes that the nurses in the movie have. I understand that attitude will have to grow as I grow in my career, but I would also love to let go of some of the fears I have and think of that movie and the good things that come with nursing. We have learned in class that all care is centered around the patient’s and what they want, and you really realize that in the movie. However, it was nice to see that every nurse loved the people they took care of and wanted to take care of them and their family. I am excited for that part of nursing.

In the movie there was different patient populations and different locations that had specific type of patients. The one that stood out to me the most was the rural population where the nurses had to travel to their houses even though the rides were sometimes challenging. The nurses that do that love their job, but they explained that it could be challenging at times. A barrier to their care is the challenge to get to their house for their home health checkups. The nurses were saying that there is muddy paths and narrow sandy paths, and an ambulance may not be able to get there if they needed to come. The nurses would have to meet them or bring them a certain distance to where the ambulance could get there. It also seemed like they did not have any cars, so if they needed to get medical treatment themselves or were in an emergency then it would not be easy for them to receive it. You could tell by how the nurses spoke that they had cultural humility. One nurse was explaining that even though some of these people may need specific care, if they don’t want it or it goes against their culture then she understands that and will not try to push the care on the patient.

I do not have much knowledge on different types of patient populations, however as my knowledge grows, I would like to find ways to help the homeless population with health care. There is homeless population in almost every area of the world no matter how big it is. It is hard for them to get health care or even feel like they deserve the care. I would like to figure out the best ways of caring for them and making sure they get checkups and not waiting until they are sick to get help, which is usually what happens.

Our nursing class had the honor of having guest speakers from different hospitals along with past and current UNE students share their knowledge when it comes to beginning ones nursing career. The speakers as well as the career service presentation helped prepare us all for our future interviews. I enjoyed how there were speakers in many different positions because it gave an even better insight. They gave advice on good and bad things to do in an interview. The biggest thing is to be prepared and to be ready to answer questions. I will prepare by looking over my resume beforehand, understanding the hospital and unit, and have questions I want to ask. A lot of times things slip your mind during an interview so being prepared is very important. Things that we were told not to do is talk about not liking past jobs and being negative. They gave advice on having a positive attitude throughout the interview, which I agree with. I want to make a good impression on whoever is interviewing me, so I will be thinking about their advice as I prepare.

I would like to have a conversation regarding my experience from coming into the UNE Nursing Program to where I am today. I have grown a tremendous amount knowledge wise and overall, as a person. I would really like to touch upon my UNE clinical experience. Looking back on my first clinical day to now, I have realized that I have grown so much and developed bed side nursing skills. I feel like I have learned the most throughout my preceptorship especially being in the float pool and seeing many different floors and patient’s. The first day I shadowed my preceptor then I gradually worked my way up to being the “primary nurse” and giving report for a whole patient assignment. I felt by the last day that I had built up so much more confidence that I had before, which is a very important part of being a nurse. I learned different forms of teamwork and communication through watching my preceptor work on different units as well as being part of that myself. I was able to see what worked and what did not when it came to communication, and I will take that with me to my job.

A challenge that I face is dealing with my level of confidence. Obviously it would be nice to start a career and already feel comfortable and have knowledge on everything, but that is not how it works. I need to understand that my confidence will grow with experience and that I will hopefully get a job at a hospital with a supportive team. I already am addressing this challenge, and I remind myself that it is okay not to know everything. I will be able to ask questions and receive help when I need it. The hospital unit I end up on will want the same as me for all of the patients and that is optimal patient care and safety.