My interview was about Ms. Parris D Langhorne. She is 27 years old , and she is a registered nurse. Parris works at Bon Secours Memorial Regional Hospital in the Cardiopulmonary/Telemetry Unit. In 2012, she received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Hampton University. She is currently enrolled at Virginia Commonwealth University obtaining her Master’s degree for Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, which she is expected to graduate May 2019. She has received her BLS and ACLS provider certifications. Ms. Langhorne was inspired to become a nurse because she always had a strong desire to help and care for others. Parris chose to work on a cardiac/telemetry unit upon graduating because she knew after obtaining her Master’s (Nurse Practitioner) that she plan to specialize in cardiology. She enjoys providing care, advocacy, compassion, wisdom, support strength, skills, tears and hugs.
She was surprised about three aspects that nurses had to learn. The teaching aspect in teaching both the family and patient education that she does constantly, that they have to be “Tech Savy” for electronic charting and administration medications. She stated that new technology allows the nurse to stay at the bedside more. Finally the nurse leaders surprised her in case of a shortage of nurses that the nurses have more responsibility than ever. For example the “Charge RN” which covers the entire unit and nurses, and assist with assignments of patients and discharges. The most challenging aspect of nursing is not having “Teamwork”. There are times when units are short of nurses, causing the nurse/patient ratio to increase. Which tends to cause the primary nurse to eventually become overwhelmed at some point during their 12-14 hour shift . At times there are not a lot of “Teamplayers” who will assist when help is needed.
The advice she gave me was to have COMPASSION when caring for your patients. Patients can tell when you “nurse” for the love or money or actually enjoy by providing the best care you could possibly give. Also TEAMWORK is a big deal. Always be a good team player so that in any case you get overwhelmed or needed assistance with a task, your co-workers will be eager to provide help. Speaking to Parris really opened my eyes about the nursing field in general. She has taught me to not be afraid to ask for assistance when overwhelmed. She has taught me to do everything with compassion!
