Hello Everyone!

My name is Nichole Bruggman and I have been an RN now for almost two years. I am currently working on a Med./Surg. unit in a rural area. When I first started nursing I began as a CNA and moved my way up to LPN then RN. I obtain my RN experience for my first year and a half at a level 3 Trauma center which gave me great experience. As a newer nurse I thought it was very imperative to work at a place where you could experience things as a nurse. I have worked in a few rural settings which was awesome however being able to be on a trauma team and responding to the traumas that you eventually take care of after the OR is a different experience. I am grateful for that experience and hope that this class provides more insight on evidence based nursing when it comes to patient care regarding the critical patient. I think that research plays an important role in my current position on the Med./Surg. floor as practices are constantly changing as well as education. I think as a floor nurse you have to be in tune with the education provided on updates that occur with patient care. I feel like with the constant research, things are always changing and as a nurse we need to be aware of that.

Finally, I am a single mother of a almost 10 year old. I live in a small town in Kansas and have two dogs and a mini micro pig as a pet. My pig is by far one of the best things I have ever had! His name is Hamlet, Hammy for short. =) He is potty trained like the dogs and loves to eat. My St. Bernard and him love to snuggle and play. I can’t wait to see what this class has to offer and the literature I will take from this!