Posts

Career Objective of a ICU nurse

Transitioning into School Nursing

Leah Roche, RN, BSN, ECMO Specialist

 

The field of nursing is constantly evolving. As a nurse you truly learn to do something new everyday. No two shifts are alike.  The excitement of doing something new every day, and the endless educational experiences I encounter are a couple of the positive qualities that lead me on the nursing career path.  I am a pediatric intensive care nurse-ECMO Specialist at a level three children’s hospital in Columbus, Ohio.  I work in a fast paced, high stress, deeply emotional environment.  I love my job.  Over the years it has inspired me to want to reach children before they get to the hospital setting.  I want to help them thrive in everyday life.  I aspire to be a part of the wonderful network of Licensed School Nurses whose experience and compassion help our school children in the educational setting.

As an ICU nurse my number one career objective is to always be the best possible nurse in the worst conceivable scenario.  I fight for my patient as I comfort the parents.  The worst pain in the world is a mother losing her child.  I am faced with this tragedy daily in my occupation.  No words or gestures can ever make this situation bearable, but if I can provide just a moment of comfort, I have done my job.  I will carry those objectives into school nursing.  Although the scenarios will be different, my commitment and compassion towards the children will remain.

An ICU nurse views life through a different looking glass than the rest of the world.  The perspectives and knowledge base gained in the critical care setting keep me grounded.  It has taught me excellent time management skills, delegation skills, and what is truly important at that particular moment in time.  School nurses have a lot of responsibilities expected of them.  Coming from a critical environment I feel I am truly prepared to tackle any requirements in the new role and do so with a level head and a light heart.  I am passionate about nursing and look forward to implementing all that I have learned and loved over the past thirteen years into a new career path, school nursing.