STEPH OXANDALE, RN
CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY PROGRESSIVE CARE UNIT
THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS HOSPITAL
Why did you become a nurse?
I decided to enter the healthcare field after my dad passed away my freshman year of college. I didn’t know what I wanted to pursue, so I began working in the hospital as a phlebotomist to gain experience and exposure to the various opportunities within healthcare. I decided I wanted to pursue nursing shortly thereafter. I was able to see how nursing could provide that personal care to each patient and family and get them through an extremely vulnerable time in their lives.
What about your job as a nurse makes you most proud?
Being a nurse is very rewarding. I am most proud when I am able to act as a true patient advocate and help the patient make informed decisions. Nursing is not only about caring for the patient immediate needs, but also providing education and making a deep impact on the lives of our patients. I enjoy making a connection with my patient and their family and developing a trusting relationship. It makes me extremely happy and proud when I see my patients come back to the unit once they have healed. It is such a rewarding experience to see them happy, healing and enjoying their life!
Tell us about an extraordinary patient care experience as a progressive care nurse.
As a progressive care nurse I get to experience a variety of patients through the continuum of their hospitalization. The patients come to the unit in a critical state and progress to the level of wellness that they may transition home. This unique level of care allows me to use my critical thinking skills and help educate patients about their disease process.
How has AACN played a role in your career?
AACN has played an important role in my career. AACN has helped with my professional development through certification. I pursued AACN certification by obtaining my PCCN. By obtaining my PCCN it has pushed my development as a progressive care nurse to a new level and increased my education. AACN is a great support for continued development. The educational offerings that are available, especially at the local level, are outstanding.
CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY PROGRESSIVE CARE UNIT
THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS HOSPITAL
Why did you become a nurse?
I decided to enter the healthcare field after my dad passed away my freshman year of college. I didn’t know what I wanted to pursue, so I began working in the hospital as a phlebotomist to gain experience and exposure to the various opportunities within healthcare. I decided I wanted to pursue nursing shortly thereafter. I was able to see how nursing could provide that personal care to each patient and family and get them through an extremely vulnerable time in their lives.
What about your job as a nurse makes you most proud?
Being a nurse is very rewarding. I am most proud when I am able to act as a true patient advocate and help the patient make informed decisions. Nursing is not only about caring for the patient immediate needs, but also providing education and making a deep impact on the lives of our patients. I enjoy making a connection with my patient and their family and developing a trusting relationship. It makes me extremely happy and proud when I see my patients come back to the unit once they have healed. It is such a rewarding experience to see them happy, healing and enjoying their life!
Tell us about an extraordinary patient care experience as a progressive care nurse.
As a progressive care nurse I get to experience a variety of patients through the continuum of their hospitalization. The patients come to the unit in a critical state and progress to the level of wellness that they may transition home. This unique level of care allows me to use my critical thinking skills and help educate patients about their disease process.
How has AACN played a role in your career?
AACN has played an important role in my career. AACN has helped with my professional development through certification. I pursued AACN certification by obtaining my PCCN. By obtaining my PCCN it has pushed my development as a progressive care nurse to a new level and increased my education. AACN is a great support for continued development. The educational offerings that are available, especially at the local level, are outstanding.
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