Today, we’re turning the spotlight on Kristen Granados, a pediatric RN from San Antonio, TX. She’s sharing her thoughts on supporting fellow nurses, offering self care tips for new nurses, and advocating for more nurses in policy-making roles and hospital leadership. Read on to find out what she thinks the root of the stereotype “nurses eat their young is,” and what she thinks the biggest challenges facing nurses are today.

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

A: Pediatric Acute Care RN at University Hospital in the heart of the South Texas Medical Center (San Antonio, TX).

Q: True or False: Nurses eat their young.

A: Oh, I recall hearing this statement for the first time as a nursing student! There are those that believe nurses eat their young; however, I think there are underlying root causes that are worth acknowledging and may have led to the creation of this infamous line in our profession. In reality, a nurse may be reacting to stress, fatigue, or burnout. As a new grad RN, I am thankful to say that I haven’t experienced this culture in my unit. We embrace a “teach and learn” atmosphere, and I know that we can all rely on one another when it gets hectic on the floor. I think it also helps that we are a teaching hospital. Each week we have nursing students on our floor. The better we mentor the next generation of nurses, the better we can prepare them to provide exceptional patient care as well as cultivating healthy team dynamics.

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

A: Nurses give so much to others including their patients, teammates, and families. In order for us to perform our work well, we need to ensure we prioritize our own self-care as well. Take the time to reflect, pinpoint, and write down what brings you joy. For me, that’s being in nature and dance fitness. Bake these activities into your self-care routine, even if it's a simple one to start. For example, every first day off work I have I wake up early and go to the park across the street from where I live to walk and be with nature. It’s so calming and rejuvenating for me.

Pre-COVID, I also enjoyed taking Zumba and Hip Hop classes at the YMCA. Build a support system and check in with them routinely. You’ll be amazed at how much you want to share about your experiences as a new nurse and to be able to process your feelings you will encounter as well. Acknowledge your feelings and what you are exposed to each day on the job. We see more suffering than the average person should in their lifetime. For me, I write in my journal. I dance and process my feelings through movement. My family and boyfriend have been an incredible support in my transition from nursing school to professional RN. Simply put, find activities that make your heart sing. I love nursing, and keeping this balance of self-care in my routine has been the key to keeping my spirit healthy.

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

A: Nurses are the ultimate patient advocates. Together, we have capacity to make a transformative impact on how healthcare is delivered in our communities. Nurses are adaptable, empathetic, and resilient. Yet, we often do not recognize the creative problem solvers we are each day to keep our patients safe and satisfied. We are often not holding a seat at the table where tomorrow’s vision of healthcare is actively being developed. Who better than a nurse to advocate for the patient experience of healthcare whose expertise lies in caring for the patient in totality - mind, body, and spirit? When we are able to empower nurses with the business and design skills to take action on the impediments they face daily at the bedside, I believe the untapped potential of nurses can be released to build empathy-driven solutions that create health equity and enables our communities to thrive.