Today, we’re turning the spotlight on Stephanie Kaminstein, a cardiothoracic surgery nurse based in Raleigh, NC. She’s sharing her goals for the future and her thoughts on nursing culture!

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

A:  I feel very lucky to say that in my experience this has been false. I just started as a nurse this summer and everyone on my unit has been so kind and welcoming to me. They're always willing to help me and answer questions as I have them and I feel very supported as a new nurse. Unfortunately, I don't know that this is the case everywhere, but I'm hopeful that there is a shift happening where more experienced nurses are kinder to newer nurses.

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

A:  I work on an adult cardiothoracic surgery stepdown unit in North Carolina!

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

A:  Try to leave work at work- nursing is a 24 hour job and you're only working for 12 of those hours so there will always be things left to be done at the end of your shift. I always try to have one thing to look forward to when I get home after each shift to help me unwind and not focus on the day that I had. I think it's easier said than done to leave work at work, but it's important for your mental health.

Q: Ideally, where do you see yourself in 5 years?

A:  Ideally I'd love to be starting to pursue an advanced degree in nursing in some capacity. I want to make sure I have a solid few years of RN experience behind me before returning to school but I'd love to work as a nurse practitioner and be continuing my education beyond my BSN.

Follow @stephaniekaminstein on Instagram