A newborn nurse based in NC, Nurse Detra believed that “There's only one of you. You need to take care of yourself so that you are around to see the fruits of the seeds you plant today, grow tomorrow!

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

A:  I think this depends on the culture of the unit or group you work with. I've seen nurses that ate their young, but I've also seen nurses that try to build up the new baby nurses too. I personally was on the receiving end of 'nurses eat their young' and I'm the type of person that when you tell me what I can't do, I'm going to prove to you that I can. 

Detra Edwads, RN, MSN

My first preceptor was a newbie nurse herself with one year experience, she did not like it when I asked her questions that she didn't know the answer to and would tell me that was not the way things were done and told our manager lies. When other nurses were asked about those lies, they revealed them to be just that, lies. 

I was then placed with a new preceptor with 20 years experience and I flourished! I've always loved baby nurses and welcomed them with open arms. I went back to school for my Masters in nursing education just so I can help those new baby nurses!

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

 A: I'm based in southeastern NC. My specialty is OB, mainly newborn nursery, but have a heavy background in med/surg/tele as well.

Q: What does cultural competence mean for healthcare providers?: 

A: Being able to care holistically for their patients while taking in consideration the patient's beliefs, values and customs all the while understanding your own beliefs, biases, and values.

Q: What is your experience with nurse unions? 

A; They aren't legal in my area.

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

A: Take time for yourself! Be good to yourself! There's only one of you, take care that you are around to see the fruits of the seeds you plant today, grow tomorrow! Permanent solutions to temporary situations isn't a solution at all! 

Knowing that this situation will pass and you will be able to overcome it is always important!! Take time to enjoy the outdoors, even if it is only sitting on a towel in your backyard by yourself listening to nature! I've always been told we are basically houseplants with more complex emotions, so get sunlight, hydrate, and take a deep breath, or 10!