Virginia based emergency room and wellness nurse, Sabrina chats with us about nurse grads starting out in the industry, tips for success and cultural competency in healthcare.

Q: TRUE or FALSE “Nurses eat their young.” 

A: “Nurses eat their young” in my experience is false. I have truly had an amazing experience at my hospital and don’t feel as if any of the “older” nurses put me through the ringer. I personally think that, especially during these times, more nurses are realizing how hard it is for new grad nurses and have backed away from “eating their young” or bully culture to be more of a supportive role and help new nurses thrive.

Q: What is your specialty and where are you based? 

A: I am currently based in Virginia. I work in an adult and pediatric emergency department and I also work for a company that focuses on covid testing, vaccinating and wellness injections/IVs.

Q: What does cultural competence mean for healthcare providers? 

A:  Cultural competence for healthcare providers are extremely important, especially during these ever changing days. To me, healthcare providers that are culturally competent are those that are willing to learn, listen and respect the cultural norms of their patients. Whether it is culture related to ethnicity, socioeconomic status or even sexuality. I don’t think we are expected to agree or accept everything that our patients believe in but we should be competent enough to listen to them and respect their wishes. Being culturally competent can build connections between the provider and patient that could exponentially better their care.

Q:What is your experience with nurse unions?

A:   I have had none

Q: Any self care or mental health tips for new nurses?

A: My biggest tip to new nurses would be don’t be so hard on yourself, mistakes happen!! There are going to be so many days where you feel defeated, slow or unsure if this was the right path but it does get easier. Find coworkers and friends to lean on especially when you’re feeling down. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, everyone was a new grad at some point. Take notes if there are things you don’t want to forget and don’t forget to take care of yourself too. Find ways to leave the stress of work at work and enjoy your time outside of the hospital.