Nursing is an individual providing attentive care and applicable knowledge to another individual with physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. I look forward to opportunities to make connections with others and utilize my nursing experience and interest in health science to support the connections made. 

The nursing profession makes a difference because the nurse functions as a service and resource which can meet the needs of the patient. When the patients needs are met, their lives are improved.

I became a nurse because I was initially drawn to learning the science and methods behind healthcare and I wanted to use this knowledge to be an active participant in my community. I want to help others fight disease and help them take preventative measures against illness. My interest in pathophysiology allows me to think in terms of what could be happening with the patient and to make recommendations to the providers (empirical). I have the ability to connect with others with intention and show that I care for them (personal). I have the ability to act quickly and earnestly on behalf of my patient (ethical). I own a good sense of humor and have the ability to make others feel comfortable (aesthetic). 

Team work done well allows taskwork to be less burdensome. One nurse colleague can help another when able to and help make work lighter, and therefore, the work environment bearable. Being cognizant of a colleague's patients and their situation allows for efficiency when the nurse is taking a break and their colleague is situationally aware if the need arises.
 

A nursing instructor once told us on multiple occasions that "nurse live on ADPIE street". Of course, ADPIE stands for Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation. Patient care should always be approached with care and compassion as its foundation. Yet the findings of empirical, evidence-based practices also support the importance of systematic (rational) approach to care. Therefore, complete assessment should always begin the nurse-patient encounter and evaluation should review and gauge the preceding steps. With time and experience, putting the ADPIE steps into action becomes natural and fluid.
 

The one agreed by most to be the first and foremost nurse theorist is Florence Nightingale. She surmised that illness resulted from deficiencies in fresh air, pure water, adequate drainage of waste and toxins, cleanliness and sanitation, and direct sunlight. She also reinforced the importance of keeping the patient warm (how many times patients asked me for extra blankets), keeping a low-noise environment (how often patients complain that another's television is on too loud), and proper diet and nutrient intake (documenting food and fluid intake helps track nutrition status). Much of what we see in nursing today stems from Nightingale's contributions.
 

Reference
 

Blais K., & Hayes, J. (2016). Professional nursing practice: Concepts and perspectives (7th edition). Pearson Publishers.

Tell me about yourself...
 

What do you like most about being a nurse?
 

Why do you want to work here?
 

What are your strengths and weaknesses as a nurse?

Tell me about a time you dealt with an unhappy or difficult patient or family member.
 

Describe a time you were under a lot of pressure. How did you handle it?  

Are you comfortable communicating with other members of the healthcare team? Describe a time there was a conflict with another member of a patient’s healthcare team.
 

Describe a situation where you displayed teamwork.
 

Describe a situation when you had to work with a difficult coworker. What was the problem, and how did you resolve it?
 

Describe a time a patient was really happy with your care or a time you went above and beyond for a patient?
 

What do you think are the most important qualities of a successful nurse?  
 

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing nurses today?