Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1187856
November 18, 2019–January 13, 2020 "Everyone is going through something. We all share a common humanity." Asher Bolejack, RN, BSN, CPAN Post-Anesthesia Recovery Unit REDLANDS COMMUNITY HOSPITAL What do you particularly love about your specialty? I transitioned to the post-anesthesia recovery unit (PACU) after working in the emergency department. What I love about my specialty is that I am able to see immediate results from nursing interventions. Patients usually come out of the operating room in pain. Being able to help them manage that pain really makes a difference in the patient's experience. Of course, medical interventions are augmented by the ability to be present for your patient and express empathy and caring. Please share the funniest or most moving thing that's happened to you as a nurse (bearing HIPAA in mind). When I was working in the ED, I had a patient who was deteriorating. All lifesaving measures had been exhausted, so all we could offer was comfort. After he passed, the patient's daugh- ter expressed that she was very appreciative of the support we gave her father when nothing else could be done. That was the moment I realized the special opportunity nurses have to make a significant difference in the lives of their patients, even when they are dying. I will always remember that family's gratitude for the care I was able to provide. What has being a nurse taught you? One thing I've learned is that everyone — whether patient, family member, fellow nurse, stu- dent or physician — is going through something. We all share a common humanity. Taking that into consideration helps us to understand that while sometimes we do not see people at their best, we need to give them a break. What do you particularly love about your specialty? I realized while helping to imple- ment a new EHR system at another hospital that nursing informatics was THE specialty for me. I serve as the liaison between IT and clinicians, helping to improve workflow not only for RNs, but also for physicians and ancillaries across the board. What I love so much is that this role allows me to see patient care from a whole different per- spective and promote change on a grand scale. It allows me to apply my nursing knowledge through my passion for technology. It's a great feeling to know that my contribution is resulting in improved safety outcomes — I can truly see the hard work come to fruition. Please share the funniest or most moving thing that's happened to you as a nurse (bearing HIPAA in mind). Early in my career, I had a patient with a rare autoimmune disease that severely impaired her from functioning independently. All of us involved with the patient's care were able to achieve so much for her despite all the challenges. The patient's family was greatly appre- ciative of the hard work we all put in to help their loved one. This experience helped me become the nurse I am and wanted to be as well as providing me with a differ- ent outlook on life. What has being a nurse taught you? Being a clinical informaticist has taught me so much about the business side as well as the tech- nical side of the job. But, if there's one thing I've learned in this pro- fession, it's the value of team- work. Your success is greatly increased by the ability to work collaboratively with others and by establishing great working rela- tionships with your colleagues. Working Nurse l WorkingNurse.com 21 November 18, 2019–January 13, 2020