INTERVIEWING HEALTHCARE REPRESENTATIVES

Interviewing Healthcare Representatives

Interviewing Healthcare Representative

Here below is the interview of a healthcare representative. Minda Del Carmen is a nurse and also a recipient of “Daisy Award.”

Why you opted for nursing?

I wanted to help the sick, alleviate pain and suffering regardless of color, creed, or beliefs. I wanted to travel to broaden my scope in nursing with a universal goal to help the sick. I was born in the Southern Philippines, in a small town, with a big dream. My eldest sister who is also a nurse became my role model. Minda Del Carmen is 71 years old and still works full time in the operating room in Seattle, Washington. She is a recipient of the “Daisy Award.” (Emergency Nurses Association, 2004)

How long have you been a charged nurse?

I have been charged nurse for 40 years, and I have being served as a critical care nurse for 32 years; I have been a nurse for more than 44 years. I have got a number of training in my job career. My first training was on our behavior that how should we behave in a team. A charged nurse cannot do work in isolation, we have to coordinate and communicate with other staff as well as with patients. I received two years internship in a hospital of New York and later on I complete my fellowship under a physician of NHS.

What was your education for your preceding job?

At my time, the education for emergency institutes' procedure was tough. They required a degree that was associated with my field (Physician), with more than 5years clinical experience. I was also certified by RN, and at that time, I started with the salary of $40,000.

What are your responsibilities?

Being a charged nurse, my responsibilities were to provide the nursing care to the patients of Emergency room and it was prescribed by physician. I was responsible to review and prepare the medical records of patients as well as the notes of nurses under the direction of Director, Cameron. I was monitoring the activities of my colleagues and the activities of my patients. As I moved to critical care department, my responsibilities were increased exponentially. (Bernan, 2008)

What has your journey as a nurse been like?

My incredible journey has been full of joy, challenges, miracles, gratifications, disappointments, and hope. With the ongoing advancement in medical science and technologies, budget cuts, insurance reimbursements, changes in health care policies, and expansions, the journey is a never ending process to adapt and learn.

What about your job as a nurse makes you happy?

To see patients get well from a critical illness is a joy. To make a difference in someone's life, be it a coworker, a new hire, a patient, or a family member, and is one of the greatest achievements of all. Helping patients and family accept the inevitable and explore options such as palliative care or DNR is satisfying. Mentoring someone and seeing that person grow makes me happy.

What has been the most amazing experience you've had as a ...