Tomorrow's nurses ready for today's challenges

SANDUSKY — The ongoing public health threat has taught Shelby Nash, a student in Firelands Regional Medical Center's School of Nursing, a valuable lesson she'll remember forever. "I have been able to witness how many health care professionals are able to come together for the greater good," said Nash, an aspiring registered nurse for an emergency department. She credited several groups — including first responders, doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, radiologists, technicians, physical and occupational therapists, housekeepers, dietary specialists, police officers and firefighters — uniting to defeat a common enemy: COVID-19. Many people in these positions, directly or indirectly, reaffirmed Nash's career path decision — and she's eager to become a full-fledged member of this team dedicated to saving lives. "We are all in this together," said Nash, who plans on graduating in May and recently accepted a position with a medical center in North Carolina. "I couldn't be happier and even more excited with the field I have chosen." A well-rounded education When students like Nash enrolled in Firelands' nursing school program, they never expected, upon graduating, to be thrust into medical centers, doubling as war zones, overburdened with problems stemming from the coronavirus. To date, the vaccine-less disease has claimed more than 195,000 lives worldwide with no drop-off, or end, in sight. Patients will depend upon medical professionals, no matter their experience, to overcome their diagnosis. "This is possibly one of the scariest times to go into nursing," Nash said. Nash, however, isn't panicking. She credited her educators for preparing herself and classmates amid a global health crisis. "The goal of any nursing program is to guide students in the development of knowledge, skills and abilities of a general practitioner," said Dawn Wikel, the director of Firelands' nursing school. Contrary to popular belief, the program's curriculum and student learning outcomes didn't deviate once the pandemic arrived stateside, Wikel said. "Nor has our commitment to ensuring the students get a quality education and stay on the same timeline for graduation," Wikel said. "The program has always included current issues in health care, so the recent developments related to the coronavirus do provide unique opportunities for our students to learn and grow." The curriculum focuses on topics for students to best manage adaptability, problem-solving and stress management in hopes of "understanding and working through challenges in the current health care environment," Wikel said. Each student receives more than 800 hours in clinical, laboratory and simulation settings. Plus students receive hands-on experience, working shifts in various areas of a hospital. For instance, Nash saw time in Firelands' emergency room to better familiarize herself with patient care. "The Firelands Regional Health System leadership team and frontline staff have done an exceptional job in preparing for and managing this health crisis," Wikel said. Ready for help those in need Another nursing school student expected to graduate alongside Nash is Kasey Parkhurst, who's working toward a career in pediatrics. She considers herself lucky, already landing a job in Firelands' emergency room following commencement. The coronavirus has only further convinced Parkhurst that she made the right decision. "I have always wanted to help people and be able to give back and make a difference. I just did not know how to get there," Parkhurst said. "I chose to go into nursing because there are numerous opportunities to make a difference in someone's life. Since my decision two years ago, I have loved every part of my journey to become a nurse and all the reasons still hold true." Fellow Class of 2020 member Elizabeth Gast couldn't agree more. She also accepted a position at Firelands as a registered nurse. "This pandemic has opened my eyes to how amazing the nursing field is," Gast said. "I admire the nurses I work beside and how they show that, no matter what comes their way, they still perform excellent care and put the needs of the patient first. I've gained a lot of respect for the nursing field as they continue to put all personal protective equipment on and work their everyday job without ever doubting or reconsidering." Kalie Voss is still a year away from graduating. By this time next year, she envisions joining Gast and Parkhurst at Firelands but as a registered nurse in the emergency room. "This pandemic has not changed my mind about nursing," Voss said. "Nursing comes with big challenges, and I knew this when I decided to go to nursing school. It is not easy, but it is rewarding. The sick patients in the community need us, especially in a time like this. I have always wanted to help people in the community, but with COVID-19, we have to take extra precautions to help our patients. I am motivated to do everything that I can to be a part of the solution to this public health threat." A greater appreciation Showing compassion for others — whether it's the patients or everyone else playing a vital role in the health care chain, as Nash explained — might be the most important lesson the Firelands school of nursing teaches students. But Wikel wanted to take a moment and educate the community about an oft-forgotten group also deserving recognition. "Nurses have been considered the most trusted profession for many years and make up the largest percentage of health care professionals employed within health care systems," Wikel said. "Needless to say, the work that is being done now to lead change and protect the public is invaluable." Their work also deserves more respect from others, Wikel said. "The ability for nurses to make a difference is limitless," she said. "I know firsthand how rewarding nursing can be and find great joy in being able to help others physically, mentally and spiritually. Health care professionals, as well as nursing students, will look back at all that has happened during this pandemic and really appreciate the good they were able to contribute to their community and the world." Wikel said she's extremely proud of her students, all showing great dedication and pride for wanting to help others in a time of great uncertainty. "I believe in the abilities of our soon-to-be graduates and am confident they will excel as competent, empathetic and professional registered nurses."