From Mathematics to the Emergency Department

A nurse opens up about her second career in emergency department nursing

Welcome to Nurse Ascent, a twice-weekly newsletter created by nurses for nurses. This week, one nurse shares her story of pursing a second career in nursing after discovering she didn't love her 9-5 job working in mathematics. We also talk about an end to SNAP benefits amid the government shutdown, another closing Planned Parenthood, and how Jon Bon Jovi's "pay it forward" kitchen is helping federal workers afford meals.

But first, wishing a Happy Halloween (& uneventful shifts) to all...

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Nurse Spotlight: Sami Tarson RN, BSN, CNCC

What I do for work

I currently work the mid shift in an Emergency Department at a large level-one trauma center. I came here two years ago for our hospital’s DEU after I began looking for something more fast paced where I constantly learn something new and can progress in my career.

How I got here

Nursing was a second career for me. My first degree was in math & statistics and I worked a few years at office jobs in data entry, in a commissions department for a health care agency, and as a pharmacy benefits analyst. I found out I hated the 9am-5pm schedule and spending every day on a computer screen. Since I have family in the health care field working as nurses and doctors, I heard them talk about their work where their days sounded much more rewarding and flexible work weeks. Their experiences are what inspired me to transition fields.

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More on Sami

A day in my life

Right now my shifts is from 2pm - 2am, which I like because even on work days I feel like I still get to enjoy a lot of the day before I go into work. On this shift, I like the variety in my in my days where I might show up and take over a pod and have 4 patients or I’m on code and round or sometimes on triage. I bounce around a lot at work and that’s part of what keeps it interesting for me.

What I do for fun

I like to wake up and start my day by going to a workout class. On my days off, I grocery shop, meal prep, and hang out with family. I also try to play pickle ball once a week or take my dog to the park or beach and work on house projects in the afternoon. I recently got engaged and have been spending a lot of my free time planning vendors and such for our upcoming wedding next summer.

Share your story & be entered to win

As part of our effort to spotlight nurses, we’d love to feature you in an upcoming issue of Nurse Ascent! Share your story by filling out our quick interview form, and you’ll be entered into a raffle to win a $50 gift card.

Headlines in Healthcare

An end to SNAP

SNAP food benefits will run out on November 1st after the Trump administration has decided the USDA will not use emergency funds to pay for the program during the on-going government shutdown. This means 42 million people in the US, mostly children and seniors, will lose access to supplemental foods this week. Some states have pledged to use state funds to cover the costs, but they will not be repaid per the USDA.

Another Planned Parenthood closing

Beginning November 1st, Planned Parenthood’s only location in Manhattan will no longer see patients. After 36 years of providing low-cost services to NYU students and New York City residents alike, the organization announced its closure during current federal and state funding cuts which have raised concerns over local access to reproductive health care.

Free food for federal workers

Bon Jovi's "pay it forward kitchen" serves free meals to furloughed federal employees during the ongoing government shutdown. An estimated 1.4 million federal workers are approaching nearly a month of being furloughed or working without pay. These kitchens founded by the JBJ Soul Foundation encourages customers to pay a suggested donation of $12 for a meal, or “pay it forward” for others in need. People who cannot afford to pay can also volunteer to work at the cafe.

An image of author Katie Scoggins is pictured.

Meet the author:
Katie Scoggins
(RN, BSN & Health Writer)

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