In The Field: Spotlight on Judy Ferrari-Borges, RN
Today, we’re turning the spotlight on Judy Ferrari-Borges, RN, an end of life and elder care nurse in the Greater Boston area. She’s discussing her passion for working with this population and why caring for them is even more important to her during the pandemic. Judy also discusses why she’s raising her voice for safe staffing ratios, and shares some important mental health tips for new nurses. Read on to find out her biggest lessons from nursing, her thoughts on nurse mentorship, and whether or not nurses really eat their young.
What is your specialty and where are you based?
Elder care, home care, skilled nursing, end of life.
How did you choose this specialty? What drew you to it?
This is a growing population in our communities. Their needs are diverse, but yet the service areas are slow to change. I’m hoping I can be part of the necessary evolution to meet the needs of this group of people. Prior to Covid, my love for hearing the stories and experiences of the elder population drew me in to wanting to care for them. This generation has been through so much and seen so much life. They need so much support and there are not a lot of resources for them. Now with Covid it’s even more important to be there - and I mean to be their family, friend, caregiver, tech support etc. I go home each day exhausted, but knowing what I do and provide is impactful.
Before working in your current role, what was your nursing career path?
I worked for a short time in a hospital on a telemetry unit. I had also worked for a cardiologist during nursing school. I thought that would be my nursing path. I moved to a new area of the state that was not as saturated with hospitals and somewhat rural. I ended up applying to skilled nursing facilities near to my new home. From that time I stayed in the LTC realm.
What current events in the nursing field are you most passionate about?
I am passionate about appropriate staffing ratios. In the skilled and LTC world, often times staff are left very thin. The acuity in these environments is higher than it has ever been. These nurses aren’t fluffing pillows etc. They are running IVs, doing wound care/ wound vacs, handling mental illness and substance abuse. There are times nurses feel very vulnerable. They are held accountable but left with thin resources.
Any self care or mental health tips for new nurses?
Yes- understand that you do your best everyday. The outcomes will sometimes be bad. But it’s no-ones “fault”. Say no to extra shifts when you are on the edge of exhaustion. It will not help anyone. Take time to step away and breathe in your off time. Really disconnect - no phone no laptop. Although you are important, let others share the weight. Don’t forget to eat and drink water on your shifts! Your health is just as important as the people you care for!
What's one must-have that gets you through the tough days?
Your friendships with coworkers. Find your “team”.
“Prior to Covid, my love for hearing the stories and experiences of the elder population drew me in to wanting to care for them. This generation has been through so much and seen so much life. They need so much support and there are not a lot of resources for them. Now with Covid it’s even more important to be there - and I mean to be their family, friend, caregiver, tech support etc.”
Ideally, where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself continuing to be involved through my current position and through organizations I participate in to advocate for culture change in LTC and what that looks like. Aging in place is extremely important to me. Making sure there are the appropriate resources available and helping get them to our seniors will continue to be my mission.
What would you say is the single biggest challenge nurses face today?
I think finding a balance and managing burnout. We are all so connected to our jobs. Working remotely is a blessing and a curse for nurses. Knowing when it’s ok to step away is challenging.
Did you/do you currently have any nursing mentors guiding you?
I have had amazing mentors throughout my career. Every nurse needs someone in that role to be able to pick up the phone and call. I try to be that for others as well. It’s just so important.
Have you ever taken a role in nursing advocacy/volunteering outside of your job? Why or why not?
I have volunteered with the Alzheimer’s Association in the past in helping organize walks and working at the walk on the day of events. I have been on community boards for a nursing school and a vocational school as well. I love doing these kinds of things. I would love to join more boards that relate to nursing, education in health sciences as well as elder communities.
What was your best day as a nurse? Worst? What did you learn from either?
My best day as a nurse is when I go home knowing I left a client feeling safe and cared for and knowing that they depended on me and I was able to follow through. My worst day was when I lost a patient due to physician lack of interest in a patient that resulted in poor clinical instruction. My staff did and asked for certain things to be done. For whatever reason the physician felt these things weren’t necessary. The patient then died. My staff was devastated because they knew what should have been done and asked for it. That will stay with me forever. It took a lot of support for my nurses to get through that time. I was there to provide it and get them through it, but it should never have happened.
True or False: “Nurses eat their young.”
For the most part I agree. This is another area that I try to set an example in. We need new nurses. I love a bright young new nurse. No bad habits, eager to do well and blaze a trail. I think older nurses can feel intimidated by this instead of embracing it.
Given the opportunity to speak to yourself on Day 1 of nursing school, what advice would you give?
Know that it will be the hardest thing you ever do in your life. It will consume every minute and every day until you are done. But it will be the greatest most satisfying accomplishment you ever have.
What current events outside of nursing are you most passionate about?
It’s hard to say right now. I’m very passionate about what’s happening in communities with Covid and the management of schools. I have 4 children from elementary to college age. It’s distressing to see the varying degrees of compliance. Obviously the election weighs heavy on me for many reasons as well.