To me, this decision was the one that would make or break my future career. If I did not choose the right one, there was no way I would be successful. On a whim, I applied for the Mayo Clinic Summer III Externship, just to see what would happen. When I got the acceptance email, I thought there had been some mistake. I was immediately overjoyed, quickly followed by disappointment. Since this was an externship, it meant that I would not be administering medications, or doing any IV’s. Worried this would be yet another factor holding me back, I went to my mentor and advisor for her words of wisdom. Without any hesitation, she told me that I should absolutely take this opportunity given to me.
Throughout that internship, I learned and fine-tuned my skills in communication, patient interaction, providing patient centered care, looking at the physiology behind what was going on with the patient, time management, and confidence in myself as a nurse. Because of the decision to pursue that opportunity, I was able to accept a nursing position there for when I graduate. I still do not feel completely ready to take on the role of a nurse, but I am trusting that my education and my experiences have given me the knowledge and the skillset to continue my …show more content…
Each day, we are given the opportunity to change someone’s life. With that opportunity comes the choice of what we will do with that power. I have realized how important the little things can be in making a patient feel better. Something as simple as taking the time to rub lotion on their back, or let them tell me a story about their family member can make all the difference. While I may be busy, I should never be too busy to look at my patient as a human with needs other than their medical needs at that time. It is often the little things that become the big things in the