Sarah commenced her graduate year with us at the Eye and Ear in February 2021, with a keen interest in the area of Surgical Admissions and Recovery, as well as the Day procedure unit. We are happy to say that Sarah has now been successful in securing a full time position at the Eye and Ear in 2022! Last year we caught up with Sarah to learn more about her experience as a Graduate Nurse at the Eye and Ear.
Can you describe your experience with the Eye and Ear Graduate Nurse Program?
My experience so far has been nothing but positive! I have already completed two out of the five clinical rotations and feel that I have greatly improved on my basic nursing skills as well as learning new skills specific to each clinical area. The educators and other staff around the hospital have been nothing but supportive and accommodating towards my learning and I find that this makes the integration process into each clinical area much easier and less stressful.
This program, the hospital and all the staff members have really boosted my confidence as a graduate registered nurse, and I truly believe that when I finish the program I will be comfortable and capable on my own.
Would you recommend the program to student nurses considering their options and why?
I would encourage future student nurses to complete their Graduate Program at the Eye and Ear as it offers a wide range of clinical area experience. With five clinical rotations, students have the opportunity to branch out and safely experiment with new skill sets specific to each area.
Secondly, the program accepts a small cohort of students, meaning there is more opportunity for one-on-one time spent with the educators and other staff. I believe that with the completion of the program, the students will have gained the confidence and skills to practice competently on their own, while in a supportive and collaborative environment. The outcome of this program hopefully enables each student to feel secure in their new role as a registered nurse and practice safely and efficiently.
What is your favourite thing about being a nurse?
My favourite thing about being a nurse is the diversity of patients presenting and the ability to form personal connections with both patient and the healthcare team. Knowing that every day I come to work and am going to be both mentally and physically challenged is exciting, as well as knowing that I am making a difference in another person’s life. Overall a career in nursing is highly rewarding.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given as a young nurse?
I believe that the most helpful and comforting piece of advice I have been given is that you can’t become a great nurse in a short period of time. There are so many different elements and skills involved in a nursing career that take years to develop and perfect. To be in an environment that teaches young nurses that these skills and confidence don’t just appear overnight and that mistakes are a welcomed part of learning, has helped me to strive to improve every day.
Applications for the 2023 Graduate Nurse Program open soon.
