Ohio based charge BSN, RN Carolyn M. Harmon, discusses the importance of cultural competence, the need for a support system through mentorship and her career path journey.

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

A: True. I think this is the case sometimes, unfortunately. I remember being a new ER nurse, and a new grad. Many RN's were very critical and often made negative comments to me. I was grateful to the few who were extremely encouraging, offered support and constructive criticism, and who mentored me. Now 23 years later, I make it a point to welcome and mentor new RN's to my department and am in the process of implementing a Peer Support and Mentoring Program.

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

A: I currently work as staff RN and charge RN in my hospital's Perioperative Optimization Clinic in Ohio.

Q: What does cultural competence mean for healthcare providers? 

A: To me this means to be able to accept others' cultural views and both the unique differences and similarities and embrace these in a professional and compassionate way.

Q: What is your experience with nurse unions? 

A: None 

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

A: I worked nights in the Emergency Department for 15 years. I had an urgent spinal fusion surgery that forced me to look at other options, as I had concerns about lengthy shifts and my health and safety living with lifelong restrictions that my neurosurgeon wanted me to consider. I transferred to our hospital's Perioperative Optimization Clinic, and have been there almost 9 years.

Q: What additional things would you like to share about yourself? 

A: I have 23 years of experience as an RN in both the Emergency Department and Perioperative Optimization Clinic within my health care organization. I currently hold a staff and Co-charge position in my department. I am the founder and chair of our department's Shared Governance Council. I am enrolled in The Aultman Hospital Action Academy, which is a leadership development program. I am currently implementing a Peer Support and Mentoring Program within my department. Making meaningful connections with my peers and offering encouragement during such a tremendously challenging time in the healthcare industry is extremely important to me. Nurses who are inspired at work and satisfied with their careers provide better care for their patients, who in turn have better outcomes. This is a priority for me during this exceptionally difficult time in the Health Care Delivery System.