By: Teri McGrath, RN (ret.), B.A., M.Ed. (U of T)

Teri McGrath, RN (ret.), B.A., M.Ed. (U of T) — Sat, 14 Jan 2017 16:39:14 +0000

As a retired RN and a patient volunteer I have come to know the ARNBC as a vital organization promoting our profession so I appreciate your accolades for them, I agree. But recently, as a patient, I have to disagree with your promotion of expanding student nurse curriculum to include various areas outside of the clinical area. As in all other careers, each profession recognizes the vital importance of having in depth experience of the basics. Our doctors specialize after they do the basic MD. All areas outside the clinical area are a continuum of patient needs so without the basics there is a very limited understanding of the patient experience. From my experience as a patient, I feel the curriculum today does not give the student the basics to prepare them for the real world of patient centered which is lacking today. So often our new nurses are overwhelmed because they do not have the organizational practical skills which an extensive practical curriculum would provide, enhancing the bedside care that the patient, who is in a weak, frightened and confused state, needs. We are not a living dolls, we have feelings and need a lot of hand holding which I did not get. The last thing on my mind as a patient, was my nurses leadership skills. I needed and expected empathy which is a vital aspect of care and comfort and definitely promotes healing. All the rest is extraneous but will be rewarding after there is a deep understanding of the patient experience and can only be acquired after the basics - physical, emotional and spiritual care - are internalized by the student.

By: Barb S

Barb S — Fri, 07 Oct 2016 05:10:33 +0000

Katherine, what an incredible opportunity you had to do part of your program as an ARNBC intern. Such an important thing to be able to try something different and new. Leadership and advocacy skills are not well taught in our current nursing programs. Amazing to read this and to hear that you had such a fabulous experience. I hope we get to hear from many more young nurses who see the value in this type of opportunity.

By: Jess

Jess — Fri, 07 Oct 2016 05:09:02 +0000

ARNBC does internships?????!!!!! How do I sign up?

Comments on: Nurses Aren’t Just Clinicians, by Katherine Villegas, RN

By: Teri McGrath, RN (ret.), B.A., M.Ed. (U of T)

By: Barb S

By: Jess