Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1187856
MEN IN NURSING 2019 "I know the patient is nervous, so I try to cheer them up by smiling and telling a joke." J. Marlowe Batayola, RN, BSN Neuro/Orthopedic Spine Coordinator KECK MEDICINE OF USC What do you particularly love about your specialty? I was a certified surgical technologist for 15 years before I became an OR nurse. After nursing school, my only goal was to become a perioperative nurse. My main job is to make sure the patient's surgery goes smoothly and has a successful end result. It is very challenging, but I love every minute of it. I never realized how many people in this country are affected by back issues — I am glad to be able to help. Please share the funniest or most moving thing that's happened to you as a nurse (bearing HIPAA in mind). Before we bring the patient into the operating room, I interview them about their medical history, surgical consent, lab results, etc. I know the patient is very nervous, so I always try to cheer them up by smiling and joking around for a bit. I tend to reuse the same material because most patients find it funny. Unfortunately, one patient remembered me from another hospital, where I'd used the same joke. He told me I should get new material so it won't happen again! He also told me I should drink Ginkgo biloba to improve my memory. I was so embarrassed, but my goal was successful because I made him laugh at my expense. ADVISING THE NEXT GENERATION (CONT.) Justin Marinaro, UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica } Listen and learn from as many people (and from as many diverse perspectives) as possible during your nursing education. Be collaborative and supportive of other nurses and nursing stu- dents throughout your training. Ruslan Marder, Cedars-Sinai } Be humble and positive! Ron Manalo, Adventist Health Glendale } There will be times when you feel out of place and discouraged. Just keep pushing for- ward and work hard — everything will fall into place. Marc G. Juico, L.A. Care Health Plan } Be determined, work hard and pray! True story: Prayer has helped me during difficult times in my life and nursing career. Jorge Herrera, Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Hospital } No matter how hard it gets, keep your eyes on the prize. Believe in yourself, stay disciplined and dream big. Getting those two letters — "RN" — after your name opens a world of opportunity with so much promise. Samuel Gracia, Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare } Humble yourself. Don't be afraid to walk the road less traveled. Everyone is eager to get their dream job right off the bat, but it sometimes takes a bit to get there, and the journey is half the fun. My path has taken me through many care settings and provided me with insights that I can now pass on to my patients. 22 Working Nurse l WorkingNurse.com November 18, 2019–January 13, 2020