RN Advises San Francisco Nursing Students To 'Put On CSI Hats'
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for health care services in San Francisco will increase for several years. But while employment opportunities for registered nurses are expected to remain high through 2022, RNs with at least a bachelor's degree have a better chance of getting a job than those without a degree. Barbara Dehn, also know as Nurse Barb - "America's leading nurse practitioner" and best-selling author, is a firm believer in the value of education and shared her background and career advice for nursing students.
What is your background and education?
"Prior to working in Pediatric Intensive Care at Stanford, where I was privileged to help care for some of the first children to have heart transplants, I received my B.S. in nursing at Boston College. I'm also a proud graduate of the University of California, San Francisco where I earned a master's degree as a nurse practitioner in women's health. I've worked and volunteered in free clinics and have been working at Women Physicians in Mt. View, near El Camino Hospital for over 20 years."
What do you love most about your profession?
"As a nurse and nurse practitioner, I feel privileged to be a trusted part of people's lives during what may be some of the most life-changing and vulnerable times, especially when women are trying to become pregnant or are in the midst of their pregnancies and when they first bring their babies home. It's an honor to be invited to listen carefully, provide information and guidance so that can make the best decisions for their health and their families. I've learned that one size never fits all and what I love is helping to provide individualized care that's the right fit for that person."
What career advice can you offer to nursing students?
"I'm fortunate in that I'm often asked to give guest lectures to students at Stanford and I always say this, 'Put on your CSI Detective hats! Your job is to be curious and to find the joy in discovery.' Think of your career as a journey of learning about how wonderfully complicated, fascinating and interesting our bodies and minds are. Always be learning and asking questions. Look for new opportunities to expand your skills. As nurses, you can integrate superb therapeutic communication skills and your knowledge to help people live healthier lives."
Randy Yagi is a freelance writer covering all things San Francisco. In 2012, he was awarded a Media Fellowship from Stanford University. His work can be found on Examiner.com Examiner.com.