When you're proud and you know it

I AM AN RN who is graceful for having a job that I absolutely love and I feel passionate about the work that I do with my patients. I wear my RN pin proudly. I walk to the bedside and say "Hi. My name is Penni and I'll be your RN for today." I recognize that I still have a great deal to learn but I also realize that I possess significant expertise earned through education and experience. I can act as mentor to a nursing student, hold the hand of a dying client, ease the pain of an MI, think critically about what is going on with my clients spiritual as well as physical needs, and on and on I could go.

I graduated in 1997 with a baccalaureate in nursing from the Red Deer College collaborative program. My sense of pride was instilled in me by Sheila McKay, our CARNA president, who was the first person to teach me what it means to be a nurse and to be proud of the professional I have become. I am proud of my education and continue to enjoy the thrill of learning new things.

Occasionally, the value of my baccalaureate preparation is brought into question by colleagues who don't feel that university programs prepare graduates adequately for clinical practice. On the other hand, others believe that the new university requirements are too stringent and discourage young people from entering the profession. I think my clients in a hospital bed want to know that their RN understands their health-care in the big picture and doesn't view their illness or injury in isolation. As to entry requirements to university programs, I've not heard anyone complain about the standards for entry to medical school. These requirements help demonstrate to the public and to our profession that we are highly skilled and educated professionals.

I don't get offended when my education is criticized. I just remember that each of us brings something unique to the title RN. I am unique and I am proud that I can offer patient care in a way that no one else can. I'm sure many RNs feel the same.

BY PENNI (COURSER) PATENAUDE, RN

Penni Patenaude is employed on the Special Care Unit of the Westaskiwin Hospital and Health Centre. The above was adapted from a letter sent to President Sheila McKay and reprinted with permission.

Copyright Alberta Association of Registered Nurses May 2006
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