The movie NURSES gives a firsthand look at the complex, yet extremely rewarding nursing practice. The nurses in this documentary have a passion for their practice. It is inspiring to see how invested these nurses are. They expressed being a nurse as a privilege. I have never really thought about it like that before but to be able to care for individuals in their most vulnerable times is truly so special. This documentary showed how important empathy and therapeutic communication is. We learn about therapeutic communication in almost every nursing class that we have taken at UNE. Through experience, I feel that my therapeutic communication will only get better. Creating appropriate nurse-patient relations will help me to become a better nurse.

This documentary portrayed many different roles that a nurse can take. One specific role that really stood out to me is the public health nurses that worked in the rural areas. We did not have a clinical rotation during our public health class. The nurses in the documentary traveled miles and miles through rough terrain including sand, rocks, and mud just to reach the homes of their patients. These nurses lack resources when doing these at home visits. The language that the patient speaks could also be a barrier. Additionally, in an emergency where more complex medical equipment is needed, EMS could be hours away. Also, the nurse in the documentary expresses that the terrain she travels on could be so bad that EMS may not even be able to make it all the way there. She expresses that they must have general “street smarts” including knowing to change a tire, directions, or jump starting a car. The role of public health nurses is extremely difficult and seem to fall through the cracks in the general role of nurses. Cultural humility is essential in this type and all types of nursing. Cultural humility refers to the respect, empathy, and self-reflection within oneself and when interacting with others. When caring for diverse populations, this concept is extremely important. Specifically, with the public health nurses, the nurse must be ready to encounter different cultures, view, or health practices. The patients whose they visit with may not have resources to treat their disease which can be frustrating, they also may not believe in certain medical practices due to their culture. It is important for the nurse to have self-awareness of their own views prior to meeting with patients. An open mind and respects for an individual’s culture and values is a priority as a nurse. I hope to gain more experience caring for diverse populations through my time as a nurse.

When listening to the guest speakers and the recorded presentation by Career Services, I learned a lot about how to prepare for future interviews in a way to put myself apart from other applicants. I will be sure to come to the interview prepared, having done multiple practice questions with family or friends. Additionally, I will do research on the organization and understand their mission statement and values to be sure that it aligns with mine. I will formulate practical questions about their organization that will give me answers to see if it is the right place for me. I want the interviewer to be able to see my passion and commitment during my interview. First impressions are everything!

Over the years, I have gained multiple skills that will strengthen my role as a nurse. From the UNE Nursing program, I have gained knowledge and experience. The experience that I have had during clinical has given me critical thinking skills and professionalism. I have been playing soccer ever since I can remember and even continued into college. Being an athlete has given me many skills including communication skills, collaboration, hardworking and teamwork. My parents have also passed down many strengths to me including empathy, positive attitude, and optimism. I am so lucky to have had such great experiences throughout my life that have made me the person I am today.

Although, I am thankful for all the strengths that I have gained as a person, I know that I do have some weaknesses that I need to work on. One of them being confidence. I am a confident person but also have a fear of disappointing people or messing up so I constantly am questioning if I am doing the right thing. I feel in some cases this is a good trait but in others it can definitely be a challenge feeling that I am constantly questioning myself. This is something that I strive to work on through gaining more knowledge and just being more care free, not stressing about the little things. Specifically, in the nursing profession, confidence is key. If I do not feel confident in myself, then how will my patients feel confident in me? I feel that through more experience and reassurance, I will help to address and solve my weakness. I feel that as I get older, I am already starting to fix these issues.