Indiana Medsurge/Covid nurse Ruth Roberts, BSN, RN, encourages everyone to spend their days off doing things they enjoy, such as getting a cup of coffee, reading a good book, or binge-watching a television show. Consider your mental health as well.

Ruth Roberts BSN,RN

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

A: True, In my experience I had older nurses try to weed me out and belittle me when I was first starting out instead of trying to help me. Since I have gotten a year under my belt it has gotten better.

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

A: I work Med Surg/Covid in a Critical Access Hospital in Indiana

Q: What does cultural competence mean for healthcare providers?

A: We must be aware of different cultures and respect them by honoring other cultures and their traditions by asking questions to make our patients feel respected

Q: What is your experience with nurse unions? 

A: I do not have any experience with nurse unions

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

A: I would say to make time to find things you love and that fill your cup on your days off whether that be getting a coffee, reading a good book, and/or bingeing a tv show. Also to not pick up everytime work asks, your coworkers will survive without you and think of your mental health.