In The Field: Nurse Eddie defends the great nursing myth
A progressive care floating nurse from NYC, Eddie Gooch discusses what gets him through the tough work days and why senior nurses “eat their young”.
BSN, RN, Eddie Gooch
Q: TRUE or FALSE “Nurses eat their young.”
A: Most definitely and in my opinion rightfully so. I think we have to establish a seriousness for the work we are doing. We don't have to "eat" each other but making the new generation of nurses understand that what we do is critical is vital for our patients' well-being.
Q: What is your specialty and where are you based?
A: Progressive Care Float Nurse, NYC.
Q: Any self care or mental health tips for new nurses?
A: Adapting to a sleep schedule that benefits your work schedule is something as a night shift nurse that has been crucial for a healthy life work balance.
Q: What’s one must have that gets you through the tough days?
A: Coffee, Coffee, Coffee. You need to fuel to feed the flames.
Q: What are the daily duties of a progressive care float nurse?
A: Progressive care nurses are skilled in treating acutely ill patients. They provide treatment and care to patients that aren’t in ICU, but their condition requires consistent observation and monitoring. Some of their other duties include: performing intervention when needed, monitoring vital signs and detecting any changes with the patient.