1. Registered Nurse

2. Where do you work and what is your title ? - I work in the intensive care unit at the Health Sciences. - I am a BNRN ( bachelor of nursing registered nurse). - I started working at this job in May 2000.

3. How did you find this job ? - I was working in Calgary and really wanted to come home to Newfoundland, so I put in resumes to several hospitals in Newfoundland and got a job at the Health Sciences.

4. What nursing school did you attend ? - I attended Memorial University of Newfoundland. How long did you go to university? - I started MUN in Sept. 1987 – Dec. 1992. - I graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing Degree.

5. Did you get a nursing job right after you graduated? -In May 1993, I worked casual ( on call ) at the Janeway. I had a student loan to pay, so I decided to move to the USA. -I moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I worked there from Aug. 1993 – Aug. 1997. -I then moved to Panama City, Florida and worked there for a year. - I moved back to Canada in 1998 and worked in Calgary, Alberta until April 2000.

6. How was working in the USA different then in Canada ? -The nurse/patient ratio was higher. - you didn’t get breaks every shift. -You get paid better. -You get promoted faster – it didn’t go by seniority like in Canada. - no unions.

7. What skills do you use most often ? -Assessment skills – need to assess the patient to determine if his/her condition has changed. - Communication skills – must transfer information to doctors and families.

8. Did any courses in high school prepare you for this work ? -Biology – it was good to study the human body and all the systems. -Math – you have to calculate drug doses and drip rates.

9. What are the benefits of your job? -Working with a great group of kind and caring people. -Medical / dental benefits. -Sick days. -Family days. -Holidays. -Good salary. -Can go anywhere and work as a nurse.

10. What is your favorite part of your work ? - The satisfaction you get when you see someone recover from a very serious illness / accident. I know that, in some way, my knowledge and skills helped this person survive. Its very rewarding.

11. What are the most difficult part of your work ? -Seeing people suffer. Unfortunately not all outcomes are good, and at times its very sad and difficult. -Also, having to work holidays and special events is not good. I sometimes miss out on important family events.

12. Do you enjoy what you do ? - I do enjoy being a nurse. It’s a very rewarding and fulfilling job. It is hard work at times, but it has many benefits. We work as a team and there is always someone there to help you out. No one is left on their own. The money is good also.

13. What are the hours of your job ? -I work shift work. 12 hour shifts of days and nights. -I work 75 hours in a two-week period. -We do self scheduling in our unit, so the schedule I submit benefits me. There are guidelines to follow and it usually works out well for all.

14. What is the salary scale like for this job ? -the salary scale is very good until you reach the top and then you stay there until contract changes occur. -There are 6 steps. You go up a step each year. - no bonuses. -The pay is good. However, I think everyone should get some raise every year.

15. What was your very first job and how did it influence you ? -My first job was in the summer of 1987. I worked with the recreation committee in my hometown organizing and supervising kids t-ball and soccer teams. -I knew then that I didn’t want to be a teacher or daycare worker.

16. What influenced you on your job choice ? -Teachers – encouraged me to go to university. -Parents – encouraged me to follow my dreams. -My love for science and math took me to the medical field. -Independence – I wanted to make my own money and buy myself nice things. -Travel – I like to travel and nursing gave me that opportunity.

17. What are your future plans ? -Retirement – I have a few years left yet before I retire. I will stay in the nursing field but probably in a less intense area. I hope to work in a clinic or public health in a few years. -Its important to like what you do and I like nursing.

18. What advice would you give someone new in the workforce ? -Look, listen and learn. -Don’t be afraid to ask questions. We all were in your place at one time. -Be eager and willing to learn.

19. If you could chose, what else would you do ? - I probably would do accounting. Math was one of my favorite subjects in school.

20. If you could change anything about your career, what would it be and why ? - I chose this career because it satisfied my needs – money, independence and travel. I accomplished it all. Probably the only change I would make would have been to travel more before I moved back home.

21. Thank You !