In The Field: ICU nurse from LA discusses nurse shortages

Today, we’re turning the spotlight on Yvette Rideaux, an ICU nurse based in Los Angeles, California. She’s sharing some wisdom for new nurses, talking about what inspired her to choose her specialty, and shedding some light on nursing stereotypes.

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

A: ICU. I work for two hospitals Methodist Hospital of Southern California and the University of California at Los Angeles.

Q: How did you choose your specialty? What drew you to it?

A: My career start in Gary, Indiana where I am from then the last 21 years in Chicago. A nurse who trained me to work in the ER one day was providing care to a patient on a ventilator. She was so attentive. She admitted that she had 10 ICU trainings. So I wanted to the same. After my divorce I eventually relocated to Southern California because it was a major shortage of nurses out here. So I work for Methodist Hospital of Southern California and UCLA-Ronald Reagan Medical Center now.

Q: True or False: Nurses eat their young.

A: True we do. It's very unfortunate. It's a hidden thinking of having young blood brought into the organization means that older nurses aren't valuable anymore.

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

A: They need to value time spent at home mainly because 12hour shifts robs alot of personal time from you.