Reflections of a New Grad

Arizona Nurse, Jul 2005 by Krumpos, Andrea

Andrea Krumpos is a new grad embarking on her career in nursing. She offered to share some thoughts on the journey. Andrea has been an active member of SNAz and we look forward to her enthusiasm and contributions to AzNA.

It all starts with... a decision; a moment in our lives when we make the commitment to become a nurse. Taking care of the sick and spending our days helping others is going to be our career path and our goal is to make a difference. I made that decision five years ago after completing a tour in the U.S. Navy. I knew I wanted a career where I could continue to do something positive helping others and allow me to be a role model for my daughter.

The decision was made. It meant spending the next two years completing the required courses for acceptance into a nursing program. Once accepted, I spent the next two years in school while raising a family and working.

It was difficult, long hours studying, tests and hours consumed writing care plans. I felt proud of my accomplishments as I walked across the stage at my school's pinning ceremony in May.

Studying, taking more classes and trying to pass the NCLEX became the next challenge. Nurses I work with remembered when the test lasted three days and results were not back for months. Now it is a six hour online test and the results are back in 24 hours.

While in school many students take positions as nurse externs following the "real nurses" in an effort to learn from experienced nurses and begin to care for our own patients. In this role, we are expected to talk with physicians and give reports to other nurses. While in school I worked as a Nurse Extern at John C. Lincoln, North Mountain on a medical-surgical unit trying to learn as much as I could from my preceptors in the hope that I might one day be as competent and inspiring as they are.

Becoming a nurse is full of challenges. It can be scary and difficult yet rewarding all at the same time. Good luck to all the new grads out there trying to do their best as we begin our journey.

Andrea Krumpos, RN, Staff Nurse, John C. Lincoln North Mountain