Hello! I am Brandi Warden. I graduated with my ADN in December and jumped right into my BSN at FHSU this past January. I also have a Bachelor’s degree in Communicative Disorders and Sciences (Speech Pathology) from Wichita State (from 1998, eeek!) so I SHOULD finish my BSN this December, but its a hectic pace so wish me luck!
I have a 25-year old daughter (who is getting married next May!) and a 3-year old daughter who is turning 4 next month. I have my own business (4 Home Plus locations for the elderly) and I also work nights PRN on Med-Surg at our local hospital in Eldorado to keep current on my nursing skills and practice. Since its a small rural hospital, I take care of patients of all ages (including peds) and with all ailments from ortho to CVA. We have an ICU but we transfer our most critical patients to Wichita.
I have to admit research is my weakness. However, through nursing school EBP was at the forefront of everything we did, learned and practiced. Evidence-based practice enables us to improve patient outcomes, which should be at the top of our priority lists as nurses. My nursing judgement is my most powerful tool and only through constant continuing education and a working knowledge of current evidence-based practice am I ensuring the best outcomes for my patients and protecting my license to practice. I’m very apprehensive about a research-focused class, but bring it. Weaknesses are only weaknesses usually only due to lack of experience. Good luck, everyone!
Research (or the utilization of research… which is the cornerstone of the BSN prepared RN) will NOT be your weakness by the end of the BSN program! Thanks so much for posting a picture and sharing your experience! Welcome to the course.
Thank you! I look forward to research not being my weakness!
Brandi, I appreciated how you pointed out that current research and EBP is the best way to protect your license and your livelihood. That couldn’t be more true. I think it’s a difficult part of our work, but it can really be rewarding to find that perfect piece of evidence to support a stance, create change and growth. Best of luck in the class!
Risk management seems to be my first glance at most everything. Guess that comes from my health care administration background prior to clinical. Thank you!
Brandi,
I worked as a research coordinator for 2 yrs. I followed the protocol’s but did not apply results to practice. I too feel very weak in the area of research. We will push on together. I also plan to complete the BSN program at the end of the fall semester. Best of luck to you!
We are definitely all in this together. Thank you!
Hi Brandi,
I look forward to acquiring knowledge in this class regarding research that we can use in the community and home settings in improving health outcomes. Congratulations to your daughter as well.
Thank you! Glad to meet you!
You sound like you keep extremely busy! What made you pursue nursing after working as a speech pathologist?