In The Field: Spotlight on Caitlyn Wood, BSN, RN

Over the next few weeks, we're going to be turning the spotlight on every day, local nurses. Whether they are student nurses, just starting out in the field, or whether they're experienced nurses who are decades into their careers, nurses in the field are making decisions that are changing the game in healthcare for the better every day.

Today we're turning the spotlight on Caitlyn Wood, BSN, RN. Based in the Greater Boston area, she is currently working on her MSN at Simmons University to practice as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She reflects on her journey as a student nurse and what led her to pursue a path towards becoming an FNP.

What is your specialty and where are you based?

I currently work on an orthopedic and neurosurgical floor at Cape Cod Hospital in Massachusetts. I also care for general medicine patients. I am  pursuing my MSN degree to become an FNP this fall at Simmons University in Boston, Massachusetts.

How did you choose this specialty? What drew you to it?

The amount of good that can be done in one nursing shift on my current unit is endless. I also love getting to care for such a broad range of patients, as my knowledge base in constantly growing.

I chose to pursue becoming an FNP because of how diverse it can be. As an FNP, we receive knowledge of health across the entire lifespan. I then have the option to specialize in an area that intrigues me the most.

Before working in your current role, what was your nursing career path?

Prior to starting at Cape Cod Hospital, I was pursuing my BSN at Loyola University Chicago. I completed my Clinical Role Transition in the NICU, caring for neonatals and their family members. The great thing about nursing is your specialty can change in an instant, and there is endless opportunity for growth.

What current events in the nursing field are you most passionate about?

I am extremely passionate about mental health for frontline workers. Having worked on a temporary COVID floor, the pressures of healthcare workers during the pandemic can be overwhelming. Across the world, and particularly in hotspot areas, we are seeing the emergence of a mental health crisis. These workers need resources now more than ever.

Any self care or mental health tips for new nurses?

Always, always take time for yourself. Whether this is a ten minute meditation prior to your shift, a half hour workout, or some time in nature- it will make you a better nurse as well as allow you to show up in other areas of your life. I also encourage nurses to pursue other passions in their life. Some may disagree, but you cannot always be a nurse. Having other hobbies and goals is extremely important to avoid burn out.

Identify your "Why?" It is not a matter of if you have a tough shift- but when. Coming back to your why will allow you to recenter.

Lastly, asking someone more senior than yourself for help is not a sign of weakness, but shows great initiative.

What's one must-have that gets you through the tough days?

Leaning on my closest friends and family always gets me through the toughest days.

Ideally, where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In an ideal world, I will be a thriving NP with my own specialty practice.

What would you say is the single biggest challenge nurses face today?

The greatest challenge nurses face is the pull to become more task oriented versus being patient focused. We enter our shifts with so many tasks to complete- an admission assessment, thorough documentation, medication administration, etc. all for five or six different patients. Sometimes the lists of tasks can take us away from giving personalized care to our patients.

Did you/do you currently have any nursing mentors guiding you?

I am lucky enough to have multiple nursing mentors that I still stay in contact with. Seeking advice and guidance from my mentors has truly helped shape my career.

What was your best day as a nurse? Worst? What did you learn from either?

My pivotal moment in my career as a nurse was discharging a complex patient that I cared for multiple days in a row. She ultimately had a poor prognosis, but was able to be discharged home to spend time with her family. Her medical condition caused her to be expressive aphasia- or unable to verbally communicate. I will never forget the look on her face and tears in her eyes when we said our goodbyes.

There are inevitably some tough shifts in nursing. They simply make you appreciate the good days even more.

True or False: “Nurses eat their young.”

False- I have found the opposite to be true. People usually enter nursing to help others- new nurses included. Approaching senior nurses can seem intimidating, but I have found most to be exceptionally welcoming and willing to teach.

Asking questions is such a pivotal part of being a new nurse, or new at any position. If someone does not feel encouraged to do this, this could be a huge red flag they're at the wrong facility.

If this a common culture in one's current place of work, I highly encourage them to seek a position elsewhere.

Given the opportunity to speak to yourself on Day 1 of nursing school, what advice would you give?

Enjoy the journey. When we start school, we are usually so focused on how to get through our tests, and to our end goal to pass the NCLEX.  I also was fixated on what my plan was. I am a firm believer everything will work out how it is supposed to, and it is okay to not know the exact plan.