NW Iowa News

Brianna Morgan, RN, started caring for patients during COVID-19. Two years later, her nursing evolution continues, but it remains rooted in her goals.

“I always wanted to care for pediatric patients, and while I started in a busy adult ICU, now I’m caring for newborns and their families,” said Morgan, who began work at Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center and now is part of the nursing team in the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

“It’s easy for a new nurse to imagine that when you don’t get your ‘dream job,’ you’re stuck,” she said. “At Avera, that’s not true.” Her goal – caring for a younger patient population – is achieved. She’s proud of her experiences at the start of her challenging career.

She still cares for patients who need critical care, but now they’re much younger – and smaller. The many changes she’s experienced: new methods, new approaches, new teammates and techniques – have challenged her. One thing has not changed.

“I see amazing nurses demonstrate their skill and compassion every day, on every floor,” Morgan added. “We can do our jobs because we know Avera takes care of us.”

Support to Continue Growth in a New Nursing Career

New opportunities like the ones Morgan experienced come with a nursing role in an integrated health system.

Moving laterally to NICU required some educational completion, such as Avera Continuing Education modules, as well as opportunities to shadow RNs in the area she’s moved to. Peer-to-peer learning is priceless, she said.

“I strive to be the best because I see those tiny, tiny things that great nurses I work with showed me. Those small things add up,” she added.

The caring, compassion and technical skill all became parts of her developing “template.” When she sought a change in her career, leaders listened and provided guidance.

“Our administration and our department leadership know how valuable satisfied nurses are in the overall mission as a system,” Morgan said. “They want you to be happy and they collaborate to prepare you for career success.”

While many, many nurses seek departments like the NICU, nurses can get them. “I know my critical care experience helped me reach my goal: working in pediatrics,” she said.

“Nursing can be tough, but when you have a good team, leaders who listen and chances to grow – like I have had – anything’s possible,” she said. “It’s extremely rewarding to see these perfect little miracles fight for their own little lives and then go home.”

How Avera Helps Nurses Thrive

Morgan's success and satisfaction result not only from tight bonds with other RNs and nurse leaders, but from many other things such as:

• Ample paid time off
• Timely continued education she’s encouraged to explore that fits her schedule
• Opportunities to investigate other aspects of health care
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program to discuss challenges confidentially

The Strengths of the System

At Avera, she appreciates the innovative technology and tools. They’re always leading edge, but many health systems have good resources. Being heard and cared for isn’t universal.

“From our CEO to housekeeping and maintenance to the RNs, Avera is all on the same page,” she said.

She appreciates tech-based tools like Avera’s effective electronic medical records, integrated communication systems and telemetry, as well as common-sense care equipment like patient lifts.

“Our leaders know we live the Avera mission,” she added.

The RN Journey from New to Natural

As the daughter of an RN, Morgan had some family-based inspiration or guidance. She’s had mentors, but those relationships were two-way streets. “More experienced nurses wanted my input and asked me questions that required critical thinking,” she said.

Morgan said she realizes nursing success comes in many forms – a lesson from her mom – and she knows it has a lot of trials.

But she’s certain about one thing at this point in her RN journey. “I’m in the right place,” she said.

Original source can be found here.