This Nurse Took A Chance On Nursing And Found Her Calling In The NICU Jackie Contreras switched from a math major to nursing without knowing what to expect. A clinical internship introduced her to neonatal intensive care, and she never looked back. Welcome to Nurse Ascent, a twice-weekly newsletter created by nurses for nurses. This week, NICU nurse Jackie Contreras shares how an unexpected switch from mathematics to nursing led her to caring for critically ill newborns. We also explore why...
2 days ago • 2 min read
This Oncology Nurse Finds Joy In Helping Patients Through Their Hardest Days From chemotherapy and surgical recovery to end-of-life care, Ashley Engles focuses on building relationships and bringing comfort to patients and their families. Welcome to Nurse Ascent, a twice-weekly newsletter created by nurses for nurses. This week, oncology nurse Ashley Engles shares what makes caring for cancer patients and their families so rewarding. We also cover new research linking for-profit hospitals to...
7 days ago • 2 min read
This Nurse Found Her Way Back After Burnout After an understaffed transplant unit left her burned out, Andrea Noble found a healthier work environment that helped her reconnect with what she loves about nursing. Welcome to Nurse Ascent, a twice-weekly newsletter created by nurses for nurses. This week, med-surg nurse Andrea Noble reflects on 10 years as an RN and how leaving an understaffed unit helped her rediscover what she loves about nursing. We also look at healthcare's outsized role in...
9 days ago • 2 min read
This Nurse Found Her Calling In The Operating Room Lisa Myers started college studying computer accounting, but a switch to nursing eventually led to a career in the OR and a leadership role in gynecological surgery. Welcome to Nurse Ascent, a twice-weekly newsletter created by nurses for nurses. This week, OR nurse Lisa Myers shares how she went from studying computer accounting to leading a surgical team specializing in women's health. We also look at how hospitals are rethinking...
14 days ago • 2 min read
A Tailgate Conversation Inspired This Nurse To Become A CRNA Kalli McGrievy first learned about nurse anesthesia in high school. Years later, she's living the career that conversation inspired. Welcome to Nurse Ascent, a twice-weekly newsletter created by nurses for nurses. This week, CRNA Kalli McGrievy shares how a conversation at a high school football tailgate set her on the path from nursing school to the transplant ICU and eventually nurse anesthesia. We also look at a hospital pilot...
16 days ago • 2 min read
This NICU Nurse Helps Prepare Families To Bring Their Babies Home For Luetwinta Breedlove, caring for premature and critically ill newborns also means giving parents the knowledge and confidence they need after discharge. Welcome to Nurse Ascent, a twice-weekly newsletter created by nurses for nurses. This week, NICU nurse Luetwinta Breedlove shares what it takes to care for premature and critically ill newborns while preparing their families for life after discharge. We also look at nurses'...
21 days ago • 2 min read
This ICU Nurse Is Turning Her CRNA Dream Into Reality After starting her nursing career during the height of COVID-19, Lea Smith is now balancing pediatric critical care with full-time school to become a CRNA. Welcome to Nurse Ascent, a twice-weekly newsletter created by nurses for nurses. This week, pediatric CVICU nurse Lea Smith shares how beginning her career during COVID-19 strengthened a longtime goal of becoming a CRNA. We also cover billions in estimated emergency care savings since...
21 days ago • 2 min read
This Nurse Has Spent Decades Caring For Moms And Teaching The Next Generation After beginning her nursing career in Jamaica, Donna Mundy built a career spanning labor and delivery, management, and now clinical instruction. Welcome to Nurse Ascent, a twice-weekly newsletter created by nurses for nurses. This week, longtime labor and delivery nurse Donna Mundy shares how her career took her from nursing school in Jamaica to leadership, patient care, and teaching future nurses in Florida. We...
28 days ago • 2 min read
This Nurse Traded Biotech For Labor & Delivery After earning two science degrees and starting a career in biotech, Di Pham changed course and found her place caring for high-risk mothers and babies. Welcome to Nurse Ascent, a twice-weekly newsletter created by nurses for nurses. This week, labor and delivery nurse Di Pham shares how she went from studying biochemistry and working in biotech to caring for high-risk mothers and babies. We also look at projections of a national nursing shortfall...
30 days ago • 2 min read