Caring with Confidence: Q & A with Maria O’Brien
January 13, 2016
#SpartanNurses
Maria O’Brien, RN to BSN student, continues to learn and grow as a caregiver.
Q: Why did you want to become a nurse?
A: I became a nurse because I love people and the human body is absolutely fascinating to me. I wanted to be able to share my education with others so they would be able to take the very best care of the bodies they have. And to be available to people in some of the greatest times of need.
Q: Why did you choose MSU to pursue your nursing career?
A: My parents went to Michigan State University, and I wanted to continue the legacy of MSU alumni in my family.
Q: What nursing specialty do you plan to pursue and why?
A: My long term goal is to become a teacher of nursing. Until then, I plan to work in acute care on Medical-Surgical floors—also on an Intensive Care Unit. I want to experience the different areas of acute care nursing so that I have knowledge, as well as hands-on experience, to give my students.
Q: Where do you work, and what do you do?
A: Sparrow Hospital. I worked as a Patient Safety Sitter, as well as a Patient Care Technician for the past three years. Now I work there as a Registered Nurse.
Q: What are the top two things you have learned?
A: I learned how to be comfortable with sick people and how to be available to them to be a blessing to their health care experience.
Q: What is your favorite part of this work experience?
A: Meeting so many different people within the health care system and what their drive was to be the best caregivers they could be.
Q: How will this experience shape you as a future Spartan nurse?
A: I work now as a Registered Nurse with much more confidence than I thought I would have as a new nurse. I am not afraid to tell my patients when I need to look something up because I don't have the answer at that moment. And I am not afraid to ask for help when I need it.
Q: What advice do you have for new and future nurses?
A: Nursing is a hard profession. There is a lot to keep track of and a lot at stake while we are on the job. My advice to new and future nurses is to find an experienced nurse who will mentor you. Don't be afraid to ask questions, and when you have time always try to help your coworkers. Nursing takes teamwork.
