Introduction
Student Introduction and Statement of Purpose
Student: Hello. I want to express my gratitude for agreeing to participate in an interview. I cannot but respect your vast experience in nursing. The purpose of our conversation is to investigate how nursing history affects the practice of nurses and how they contribute to said history. Can you please, tell me a little about your career?
Selected Nurse Introduction
Nurse: I have been a registered nurse for a little more than 40 years. I worked in general practice for 18 years. I have been working in family practice afterward. I acted as a floor nurse, surgical nurse, critical care nurse, and hospice nurse during my career.
Selected Nurse States Verbal Permission for Conversation and Submission
Student: Do you agree to this recorded conversation and submission to my instructor for grading purposes?
Nurse: Yes, I do not have any problems with that.
Questions and Answers
Student: What are your favorite memories of nursing school from your student days?
Nurse: I remember being afraid of some procedures like injections and how gradually confidence has replaced fear. I have to thank my professors and peers for that. I think nursing school was stricter back in the day, and that is why we tried to build strong peer relationships. I have made many lifelong friendships in college.
Student: I understand that feeling of nervousness when you perform something for the first time. I believe it takes courage to be a nurse.
Student: How did your first year of RN practice compare to your nursing practice today?
Nurse: The main difference is experience. I was proud of my work, but there were many stressful situations. Nowadays, I have the knowledge and patience that would help me then.
Student: I agree that building up experience is essential for being a good nurse. I am sure you need to be emotionally strong to prevent professional burnout.
Student: What were some nursing practices that you used in your earlier years that are no longer used today? Why are they no longer used?
Nurse: Numerous things come to mind: sterilizing syringes and catheters, shaving a patient before an operation, counting drops in IV, or using a stethoscope during pressure measuring. Safety concerns and technological progress made these things outdated.
Student: So, digital technologies simplified nursing, and new policies made the practice much safer. Still, it is unbelievable that so much has changed since your early years.
Student: How have specific persons or events significantly impacted your practice over the years?
Nurse: I remember the first doctor with whom I worked. She was always calm and compassionate. I have learned that friendliness and optimism contribute to fruitful nurse-patient relations.
Student: It is vital to have a good role model. I am always fascinated by your dedication and how understanding you are. Your example encourages me.
Student: How have you impacted the nursing practice of others?
Nurse: I help students and beginner practitioners to understand the nurse’s role and power within the facility. I am open to sharing my knowledge and feel responsible for younger colleagues.
Student: You have been able to work in different settings with different patients, which makes you an excellent teacher.
Student: What contributions have you made to nursing in the areas of leadership, provision of care, and/or evidence-based practice?
Nurse: I have been continuously studying various methods of nursing. For example, I discovered how unconventional exercise therapies such as Feldenkrais and meditation could help terminally ill patients ease their condition. Once a month, I volunteer to care for disabled children in a community center. I provide children with art therapy, like drawing and singing.
Student: Wow! That sounds great!
Student: What challenges in today’s nursing can be improved using lessons from the past?
Nurse: Past paternalism of healthcare providers teaches us that giving patients complete information about their condition and treatment is crucial. Dividing responsibility between physician and patient improves healthcare outcomes and prevents risky behaviors.
Student: In an era of the Internet, we cannot call a patient ignorant. Nowadays, people often google their symptoms and get possible diseases. Sometimes it complicates the work of specialists who understand health issues better than patients. So, yeah, information is the key, but it should be correct.
Student: Who is your favorite famous nurse from nursing history?
Nurse: Definitely, Imogene King. She is a pioneer in improving nursing!
Student: And I would say Florence Nightingale, as she is the mother of nursing.
Student: How do you use that famous nurse’s examples in your own practice?
Nurse: Conceptual system theory helps build effective communication with patients. It inspired my non-stop learning and betterment.
Student: That is true, but Nightingale’s work concerns patients’ needs that do not change, like configuring a healthcare environment.
Student: Based on your nursing past, what advice would you give to the new nurse today?
Nurse: Respect your profession because nursing is essential for assessing and treating patients. Have confidence in yourself but learn from your mistakes. Never stop studying.
Student: Thank you for your advice. I will try to adhere to it.
Conclusion
Gratitude (20 points)
Student: It has been a pleasure to speak with you. Thank you for your time!
Summary (20 points)
Student: Today, Mrs. Nurse and I talked about her experience and nursing history. Nurses are not just assistants of physicians. The profession is ever-changing and requires substantial education and skills in healthcare.