Today, we’re turning the spotlight on Eleni Papadopoulos, RN. She’s a medical-surgical telemetry nurse from Boston, MA. Nurse Eleni mentions her short-term and long-term goals; which include a desire to serve her local underserved community. She also offers self-care tips!

TRUE or FALSE: “Nurses eat their young.” False, there are toxic work environments in every industry. You have to find the one that works best for you.

Any self care or mental health tips for new nurses? It’s normal to feel anxious. Focus on time management and the rest will fall in place with time and practice. Even in six short months you’ll feel more confident. On your days off, focus on the things and people you love and try to get your mind off work. Easier said than done, but so important for your mental health!

Ideally, where do you see yourself in 5 years? I plan on applying to an FNP program next year with the hope of becoming an NP by 2025. In the meantime, my “short-term” goal is to work as an ICU nurse. I have always wanted to work with underserved communities. I currently work part-time as a RN Case Manager, which has taught me so much in terms of what barriers exist to health care outside the hospital setting. I feel that my experience as an RN CM in addition to that of a ICU nurse will provide me with the insight and foundation to one day provide comprehensive care in a community, outpatient setting.