Interview A Health Professional
The person I decided to interview was my suitemates mom, Jennifer B. Ross; Her position is NP Gastrointestinal and Np Oncology. She works 3 days a week in an outpatient oncology center and 2 days in an outpatient gastroenterology office. She also has a RN, BSN, MSN, FNP, as well as an advanced oncology nursing certification(AOCNP) through the Oncology Nursing society.
The Interview Questions
What inspired you to get into that field?
“I always wanted to be a nurse even as a little child. Always wanted to help people. My mother had a close friend who worked in the OR at our old hospital and she was really the only nurse I knew as a small child.”
What was your path to your current job?
“I went to Radford University after high school. Graduated with BSN and minor in psychology. My first job was on an oncology inpatient unit in Alabama. I grew to love caring for cancer patients. My own mother-in-law at the time had cancer so I think that drew me to oncology nursing as well. When I moved home I worked one year on a med-surgery unit which was great as well but found my way back to oncology nursing pretty quickly. After working as a chemo nurse for about 6 years I became nurse manager of the Cancer Center and I decided to get my MSN in Nursing Administration from ODU. Then I decided to become a NP and got that from ODU in 2010. Once I had my NP the local Gastroenterologist needed help and I decided to learn something new while still working in Oncology.”
What are your basic roles and responsibilities?
“As a NP, I assess and treat patients. I am able to order labs, imaging, diagnose and prescribe medications for patients. I work closely with physicians as well. I love the autonomy of being an advanced practice provider. Take call for one week at a time.”
What is your favorite or most rewarding aspect about your job?
“Nothing feels better than making a difference in a patient’s life. Whether you just sit and listen to the patient which makes them feel heard, actually diagnose and treat the condition so they feel better, or help them live out the last days of their lives in comfort and with dignity all of it is rewarding.”
What is the most surprising aspect of your career?
“I was surprised how much my patients and their families inspire me every day. Some days are very difficult and some patients can be very hard to deal with but overall, it is well worth it. Bonds are formed with your patients.”
What is the most challenging aspect of your career?
“The challenges are the high stress some days, having to give patients bad news and the large amount of time it takes to chart. Burnout can occur quickly if you do not recognize the signs and deal with it.”
What is some advice that you would give to me or someone getting into the health field?
“If you love caring for people then you will love nursing. Do not just go into nursing for a job. Always continue to learn and push yourself out of your comfort zone. As an NP I can try any field of medicine that I am interested in. You are not tied down to one field which is why I have been able to do Gastroenterology and Oncology. If I get tired of one of them I can try another. NEVER STOP LEARNING.”
Thank You Note
I just wanted to reach out and tell you how much I really appreciate you taking timeout of your busy day to allow me to interview you about your career. Learning about your journey to becoming the position you have now only encouraged me to want to continue on in my journey. I also will take the advice that you gave, and I will continue on and continue to learn no matter how out of my comfort zone I am because I really appreciate the things you do as well as you.