Today, we’re turning the spotlight on Hannah Plourde, a critical care RN based in Baltimore, MD. She’s sharing her nursing career path, her passion for the SICU, and the importance of asking questions and hands-on experience.

What is your specialty and where are you based?

Critical Care RN - Surgical ICU @ the Johns Hopkins Hospital (Baltimore, MD).

How did you choose this specialty? What drew you to it?

I wanted a fast paced job and to work in critical care right out of college. I liked that Hopkins was receptive to hiring and training new graduate RNs in their ICUs. I love the complexity of the SICU and the variety of the surgical cases that we see.

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

I wanted to get 2 years of critical care experience and then move into a graduate program to pursue a degree as an Acute Care NP. However after working for over 3 years in the SICU I have totally changed my career path and plan to continue working here while I complete my MSN but as a Family NP rather than Acute Care. I have seen patients in my current role who are having surgeries for issues that could have been slowed or avoided if given the appropriate preventative care and health education early on.

What current events in the nursing field are you most passionate about?

Health education / healthy lifestyle promotion.

Any self care or mental health tips for new nurses?

Do things that you enjoy on your days off. Don't use the whole day off to prep to go back into work (although doing laundry and meal prepping is important too :) ). Get massages if able and invest in some good shoes.

What's one must-have that gets you through the tough days?

Chocolate. And going home to my doodle!

Ideally, where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I hope to be working as an APRN. It would be awesome to work outpatient for one of the many talented Hopkins GI/hepatobiliary surgeons, but I would also be happy working in a family practice focused on preventative care.

What would you say is the single biggest challenge nurses face today?

Low pay, fatigue, and ethically/morally distressing situations.

Did you/do you currently have any nursing mentors guiding you?

I always asked my college professors a TON of questions while in school. At work, I look up to my more experienced nursing colleagues for guidance nursing and non-nursing related!!

Have you ever taken a role in nursing advocacy/volunteering outside of your job? Why or why not?

I have not. I would if the opportunity arose as I love volunteering. I am not sure where to look for this!

True or False: “Nurses eat their young.”

False in my unit. True in some other units.

Given the opportunity to speak to yourself on Day 1 of nursing school, what advice would you give?

Don't stress too much...your exams and NCLEX is important but you'll REALLY learn how to be a nurse once you start working.