Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1187856
November 18, 2019–January 13, 2020 "She told me I had saved her son's life." Mo Amer, RN, CCRN Mobile Critical Care ST. FRANCIS MEDICAL CENTER What do you particularly love about your specialty? As a mobile critical care nurse, my duties include responding to all codes, including code blue, tier 1 trauma, stroke, STEMI, sepsis and rapid response. What I love about my specialty is that it is consistently challenging and unpredictable. It is very satisfying to see positive outcomes as a result of our hard work, diligence and dedication. Please share the funniest or most moving thing that's happened to you as a nurse (bearing HIPAA in mind). One of the most moving moments of my career occurred on an elevator. A lady standing next to me asked if my name was Mo. I answered yes and asked how I could help her. She broke down in tears and gave me a hug, although I had no idea who she was. It turned out that a code blue I had responded to earlier that week involved her son; I was able to resuscitate him before transferring him to ICU. His mother told me I had saved her son's life and that she had been looking for me to say thank you. These are the moments that remind me how special my job is. What has being a nurse taught you? I have learned that you can have the fanciest car, nicest house and biggest bank account, but none of those things matter without your health or family. I have seen people of all ages lose their lives, whether to senseless violence or disease process. It has taught me to cherish every moment and enjoy life to its fullest. ADVISING THE NEXT GENERATION Looking at statewide trends, it's clear that men are entering the nursing profession in growing numbers. We asked our panel what advice they have for men in nursing school or just starting their careers. Here's what they said: Thomas Schuyler, Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital } You should not wait to be taught. Seek out opportunities to learn. Once you are out of school, you'll never have the time to truly work through a process and learn the "why" of doing something. Take every opportunity you have to immerse yourself in a lesson. Zack Peters, City of Hope } You may encounter people who demean our profession or imply that nursing is strictly a woman's job. Don't pay these people any mind. Instead, remember that caring for those who cannot care for themselves is an admirable endeavor. While some may not respect what we do, the patients we impact hold us in the highest regard. Danny Michael Pech, Loma Linda University Children's Hospital } Don't be afraid to fail. The worst decision you can make is to not make a decision at all. Joshua Masih, West Coast University } Choose your specialty based on your pas- sions, not on what society deems cool. Follow your heart.