Health Professional Interview
- Previously Held Positions: ICU Registered Nurse & Director of Nurse
- Current Position: Works for the federal government as a Registered Nurse/Health Insurance Specialist; under the department of Health and Human Services, as well as the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid services
- Education: BSN ( graduated Summa Ku Laude); now pursuing a masters in Health Law and Policy
What Inspired Her to Be In The Field: Ms. Harding knew she wanted to be in the field of nursing when she was in high school. She realized she had a love for science as well as showing compassion and caring for others. Because of this, Harding claims “with nursing I get the best of both worlds!”
Basic Roles and Responsibilities: As a Health Insurance Specialist, Mrs. Harding does not currently work on bedside, but does patient care oversight. After getting a bad report or receiving a complaint, Harding travels to hospitals, nursing homes, or any other health care facility, and looks at their practices of care. She determines if patients are being treated properly or not by observing if protocols are being followed. If not, Harding restricts the health facilities and/or takes away their licensure. She also can fine facilities (has even fined up to one million dollars) and terminate administrators.
Favorite/Most Rewarding Part of Job: Out of the three positions she has held, Harding feels the most rewarding experiences were as an RN. While working in the ICU, Harding says she cared for many patients whose conditions were very critical. This being said, Ms. Harding says the most rewarding part of her job was caring for a patient with her all and seeing her work being fulfilled by patients getting better/being checked out of the ICU. Harding says her most touching moment was when she was recognized a year later by one of her past patients in public (completely healthy), who was in the ICU for almost a year, and they thanked her for saving their life.
Most Surprising Aspect of Her Job: What surprised Mrs. Harding throughout her career was the hardwork and grind of being a nurse. She did not realize the intensity of the job. In particular, Harding mentions being on your feet for long shifts, caring for almost a dozen patients at a time, and even having no time for a restroom break. Harding said she was also shocked at the lack of respect nurses are given compared to other jobs. She feels a great reason for this is because of the low education requirements compared to other careers in the medical field/hospital.
Least Favorite Aspect of Her Job: ( Answers this question referring to her current job as a Health Insurance Specialist). Harding says her least favorite aspect is the lack of hands-on tasks and experiences. After being a bedside nurse for 20 years, Harding claims she misses caring for patients directly and having a more visible career.
Most Challenging Aspect of Her Job: ( Answers this question referring to her past position as a Director of Nurse). Out of her career, Harding claims being a Director of Nurse was the most challenging part of her career. She says it was very stressful having to be in charge of every different type of nurse. She exclaims that it was very stressful having to answer questions about issues/ address situations about an individual nurses’ behavior. Harding also says this position limited her free time immensely and that her responsibilities often followed her home.
Her Advice for someone Aspiring/Getting Into The Field: Harding says her advice would be to come in with the intention to always have your patient first and as your primary goal, and everything else can wait/come second. Harding says to expect to fully give your all to your patients because they depend on you fully to save their life and to also be their voice. Harding exclaims to never cheat, half-do something, or try to take short cuts because that is someone’s life that is in your hands and that you are affecting. Lastly, Harding says that you will grow in nursing fast if you come in with the right intentions.
Takeaways: Overall, I learned a lot from this interview. For one, I have learned of new positions I was not too knowledgeable of before, Director of Nurse and Health Insurance Specialist, and their responsibilities. I have learned that it is not as hard as I thought it was to switch jobs or specialists in nursing. Lastly, I have gained more knowledge on how truly intensive and hardworking nursing is. However, from the interview and advice given by Mrs.Harding, I have learned if you put your all into it and have the right intentions you will be successful.