1. A Day In The Life Of A Nurse
Sandra Campos

2. My Journey
I originally wanted to be a doctor, but could not afford the cost of medical school
I decided I would become a nurse and work my way up
I completed my associate’s in nursing in 2014 here at PVCC
Once I became a nurse I realized nursing is 100% more rewarding!!!!

3. Why is it more rewarding?
In the hospital setting, nurses spend 12 hours a day taking care of patients
12 hours means I get to really know them and their families. 12 hours with a patient for three days in a row means I get to form a genuine bond
Doctors only stop by for a few minutes each day. Most of their care is done behind the scenes

4. What Are My Responsibilities?
My official responsibilities in a 12 hour shift include:
Completing a head to toe assessment and obtaining vital signs for each of my 6 patients
Passing out medications throughout the shift
Helping patients with daily tasks (bathroom, eating, etc.)
Making sure my patients get to where they need to be (X-ray, MRI, discharged, etc.)
Charting

5. What Else Do Nurses Do?
Become a listening ear for patients who are lonely, depressed, scared
Advocate for patients when their best interest is at stake
Because we spend so much time with patients we notice changes sooner and notify the doctors
Constantly assess what is going on with each patient and what it could mean
Teach

6. Is Nursing Hard?
12 hour days are extremely grueling. It is always go, go, go. I have literally been so busy I have not made it to the bathroom in 13 hours
6 patients is very stressful because they are all sick. When a patient takes a turn for the worst, there are still 5 others that are depending on you
Nursing definitely takes its toll physically, emotionally, and mentally
We take care of people when they are at their worst and have to give them our best
We see it all and cannot judge anyone: cancer, drug and alcohol withdrawal, mean patients, thankful patients, crazy patients

7. Best Job Ever
Despite the long work hours, busyness, stress, and demands of the job, I would not trade it for any other profession
Knowing I make a difference in someone’s life every single time I go to work is the most rewarding feeling in the world
Unlimited growth: There are many opportunities to advance within the nursing field (NP, BSN, CRNA, etc.). If I am tired of one patient population, there are always many more. If I am tired of the hospital there are many other choices: school nurse, clinic nurse, etc.

8. Questions??