ENS Julia Baylosis BSN, RN, NC, USN
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
Registered Nurse, Bachelors of Science in Nursing
Julia’s Journey from Navy Town to Military Hospital!
Julia Baylosis went to Maury High School in Norfolk, VA participating in a Medical and Health Specialties Program, which exposed her to medicine. The program was extremely hands-on, connecting Julia to professionals. Her father was in the Military which provided her with many opportunities growing up, inspiring her to join this field as well to help her future family.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Julia’s interest in becoming a nurse at a military hospital was strengthened once she witnessed the nurse-to-patient ratio. She enjoyed the strict standard the military floors provided, claiming it’s “the backbone to good patient care.”
Julia applied for the Navy Nurse Corps through the Nurse Candidate Program during college which provided her with a military job right after graduation. Afterward, she attended Officer School and moved to her First Command at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for her Residency program.
The Military hospital work environment can be seen as sustainable, but it can be difficult to be seen as climate-friendly due to infection control. In health care, it’s challenging to be eco-friendly. For example, changing gloves throughout a nurse’s shift to maintain this control as well as vial medications since half, if not more, can be wasted.
Patient care is the utmost priority. Therefore, the health professionals will perform what’s the most necessary and convenient for them before majorly considering its environmental impact.
KEY TAKEAWAY
Not only are Navy Nurse Corps participants Registered Nurses, but they are also Military Officers! If the U.S. was in a time of war, those nurses would be obligated deploy.
The medical field is difficult to be eco-friendly with, especially regarding cleanliness and maintaining infection. EX: Gloves.
Julia’s advice of, “A bad shift is not a bad nurse” is a great way to show all health students to allow themselves (including myself) a bit of grace.