Latest / Culture Positive: An Infection Prevention Podcast / Professional Spotlight: RN and IP, Same Team
Transcript
- Ally: Welcome to Culture Positive, an infection prevention podcast where healthcare, public health, and real life meet. I'm Allie, and by day I work in infection prevention at an academic hospital, bringing my background in epidemiology and public health into everyday practice. Each week, We'll dive into healthcare stories, public health conversations, workplace realities, and the human side of this work. This is a space for curiosity, honesty, and hopefully some inspiration. I'm glad you're here. In-Person: Have you ever watched someone do their job and thought, wow, they are truly meant for this work? I am so excited to welcome an incredible leader in nursing to culture positive today. Not only does she provide care and leadership in a cardiac ICU at a large academic hospital. Ally: Have you ever watched someone do their job and thought, wow, they are truly meant for this work? I am so excited to welcome an incredible leader in nursing to Culture Positive today. Not only does she provide care and leadership in a cardiac ICU at a large academic hospital, but she is also a clinical instructor, educating and inspiring the next generation of nurses. In-Person: But she is also a clinical instructor, educating and inspiring the next generation of nurses. She is an advocate for her patients, a champion for nurses that she leads, and an incredible partner when it comes to infection prevention work. Anyone would be lucky to have her as a colleague. Ally: She is an advocate for her patients, a champion for nurses that she leads, and an incredible partner when it comes to infection prevention work. Anyone would be lucky to have her as a colleague. In-Person: I am so grateful that she agreed to share her experiences, her wisdom, and the personal why behind the work that she does. I know how special she is. And in just a few minutes you will too. Ally: I am so grateful that she agreed to share her experiences, her wisdom, and the personal why behind the work that she does. I know how special she is, and in just a few minutes you will too. In-Person: Welcome to the podcast, TV. Thank you so much for being here today. Ally: Welcome to the podcast, C B. Thank you so much for being here today. In-Person: Thank you so much for having me. So I was hoping we could maybe start with talking about your career in nursing. Ally: So I was hoping we could maybe start with talking about your career in nursing. what made you choose nursing as a career? And ultimately, you know, being in such an intense area of nursing, cardiac ICU, what kind of drew you to that? Yeah. In-Person: what made you choose nursing as a career? And ultimately, you know, being in such an intense area of nursing cardiac ICU, what kind of drew you to that? Yeah. what drew me to nursing is truly like you h we'll hear it from everyone, I think, in healthcare is just a innate drive to help people. And when I was going through nursing school, I remember so vividly just taking in the kinds of people that I got to experience in different rotations. And I remember going into my intensive care rotation and thinking, these nurses are the kinds of nurses that I want to be. I remember watching those nurses who had practiced at the bedside for 10, 15 years. Ally: those nurses who had practiced at the bedside for 10, 15 years In-Person: And they were the quote unquote moms of the unit. Everyone went to them when they had a question and it could be the most dire situation and they were cool, calm, and collected and guiding the room. And Ally: and they were the quote unquote moms of the unit. Everyone went to them when they had a question and it could be the most dire situation and they were cool, calm, and collected and guiding the room. And In-Person: that is ultimately what drew me to want to train in such an intense area was to become that person for people. That's amazing. Ally: That is ultimately what drew me to want to train in such an intense area was to become that person for people. That's amazing. it's an intense environment. You know, I don't I'm not there 247, obviously. in infection prevention I'm kind of on the unit, maybe for like two hours at a time at max. In-Person: It's an intense environment. You you know, I don't I'm not there twenty-four seven, obviously. infection prevention I'm kind of on the unit, maybe for like two hours at a time at max. But those those times can be so intense taking care of others. Is it do you do a good job of taking care of yourself or do you feel like it's oftentimes like a team effort in that sense? Yeah, I think that self care is definitely something that I would say most nurses struggle with. I think that this idea of work life balance can be such a big topic and Ally: But those those times can be so intense taking care of others. Is it do you do a good job of taking care of yourself or do you feel like it's oftentimes like a team effort in that sense? Yeah, I think that self-care is definitely something that I would say most nurses struggle with. I think that this idea of work life balance can be such a big topic and In-Person: Getting the support that you need, depending on Ally: getting the support that you need depending on In-Person: where you work and what that support looks like can be really challenging at times. But when it comes down to it in those moments, and this is something that I teach my students and my colleagues, is that you're never alone in those really critical situations. you have a team of nurses surrounding you with varying levels of experience. Oftentimes you have providers right there at the bedside, you have different support services. there and it's a really collaborative environment and so that I think in the moment makes those situations far better than the alternative. Yeah that's great and and you alluded to your students and I think another aspect of support that I know we've both talked about that you're very passionate about as well as I am is education and teaching. Ally: Yeah, that's great. And and you alluded to your students and I think another aspect of support that I know we've both talked about that you're very passionate about, as well as I am, is education and teaching. And I I know that's kind of been woven throughout your career, both your leadership role that you have on your unit and also as a clinical instructor. In-Person: And I I know that's kind of been woven throughout your career, both your leadership role that you have on your unit and also as a clinical instructor. So what about education? Like why are you so passionate about education? Why do you think it's so important? Yeah, I think that education as a whole is often Ally: So what about education? Like why are you so passionate about education? Why do you think it's so important? Yeah, I think that education as a whole is often In-Person: overlooked as a critical foundational block. And I think when I Ally: block and I think when I felt that shift in my career where I could begin actually teaching other people I felt truly called to it and then I realized that I wasn't so bad at it. In-Person: felt that shift in my career where I could begin actually teaching other people. I felt truly called to it. And then I realized that I wasn't so bad at it. And I felt that I could communicate effectively and really like shift the perspective to where a learner can really grasp what I was trying to teach them. And Ally: And I felt that I could communicate effectively and really like shift the perspective to where a learner can really grasp what I was trying to teach them. And that really you get to watch that in real time when you're teaching at the bedside. And I think watching that happen over and over again, watching the learners like bulk really pushed me to, okay, let me get back to the basics. In-Person: that really you get to watch that in real time when you're teaching at the bedside. And I think watching that happen over and over again, watching the learner's light bulb really pushed me to, okay, let me get back to the basics. And that's what pushed me to pursue education as a career pathway in a sense. And so now I get to give that back to the students. And it has really challenged me still Ally: And that's what pushed me to pursue education as a career pathway in a sense. And so now I get to give that back to the students. And it has really challenged me still as a nurse and as an educator to really be like at the top of my game, really have a good understanding of the skill or the assessment piece or the physiology of what I In-Person: as a nurse and as an educator to really be like at the top of my game, really have a good understanding of the skill or the assessment piece or the physiology of what I'm Ally: I'm trying to teach them and help them understand. In-Person: trying to teach them and help them understand. And and I can say I've learned from you and you are an amazing teacher. it's I'm so grateful for partnerships that I have. Ally: And and I can say I've learned from you, and you are an amazing teacher. it's I'm so grateful for partnerships that I have with nurses and learning from you guys and just seeing what you guys do every day. It's so humbling and I'm so grateful for I love learning, I love education, it's been so fulfilling to to learn from you guys and observe and you guys be willing to teach me stuff and have conversations. In-Person: with nurses and learning from you guys and just seeing what you guys do every day. It's so humbling and I'm so grateful for I love learning, I love education, it's been so fulfilling to to learn from you guys and observe and you guys be willing to teach me stuff and have conversations Ally: conversations and you're an amazing teacher. Your students are very lucky to have you. I would have been thrilled if you're one of my teachers in school. Thank In-Person: You're an amazing teacher. Your students are very lucky to have you. I would have been thrilled if you're one of my teachers in school. Thank you. Ally: you know, I think maybe education pursuing that could maybe be an aha moment for you in your career. But is there something that changed the way you practice or the way you approach patient care that was kind of that stuck with you that's maybe a bit of an aha moment? In-Person: you know, I think maybe education and, pursuing that could maybe be an aha moment for you in your career. But is there something that changed the way you practice or the way you approach patient care that was kind of that stuck with you that's maybe a bit of an aha moment? Yeah, I think that you know, at different points in my career I can definitely point out like a couple of different aha moments. Ally: Yeah, I think that, you know, at different points in my career I can definitely point out like a couple of different aha moments. And I think staying in the vein of education really that was an aha moment to understanding kind of where we maybe don't give our workforce enough credit. and what I mean by that In-Person: And I think staying in the vein of education really that was an aha moment to understanding kind of where we maybe don't give our workforce enough credit. and what I mean by that is I think that in education, we're still trying to figure out how to really prepare graduate nurses for practice. And that's an area that if you talk to any educator and new grad nurse. Ally: I think that in education we're still trying to figure out how to really prepare graduate nurses for practice. And that's an area that if you talk to any educator and new grad nurse, we're still struggling with. we haven't quite figured that out. We haven't figured out how the academic part translates into practice and how to make that smooth and successful for people. And so I think that was a big aha moment for me and like, okay, I can In-Person: we're still struggling with. we haven't quite figured that out. We haven't figured out how the academic part translates into practice and how to make that smooth and successful for people. And so I think that was a big aha moment for me and like, okay, I can Ally: Help with this. Like this is something that I'm really passionate about and it's making me a better nurse. And I think it makes me a better person at the end of the day. it's feeding life into me in different ways in my life. In-Person: help with this. Like this is something that I'm really passionate about. And it's making me a better nurse. And I think it makes me a better person at the end of the day. it's feeding life into me in different ways in my life. Ally: And so I think that that and just remembering at the end of the day that everything we do is to better the care that patients receive when they're in the hospital. In-Person: And so I think that that and just remembering at the end of the day that everything we do is to better the care that patients receive when they're in the hospital. Yeah, Ally: Yeah, absolutely. And I I know we've talked about this before, but I think also just kind of the scope of nursing right now, too, post COVID. you know, maybe everyone's not aware of how quickly new nurses are expected to just kind of be launched into this In-Person: absolutely. And I I know we've talked about this before, but I think also just kind of the scope of nursing right now too, post COVID. you know, maybe everyone's not aware of how quickly new nurses are expected to just kind of be launched into this. Ally: career. And it's it's a lot. It's a lot for them and it's a it's a lot of work for educators. I don't think people fully grasp In-Person: career and it's it's a lot. It's a lot for them and it's it's a lot of work for educators. I don't think people fully grasp how much is put on you guys in order to kind of get people up to speed and I would say record time. Yeah. Yeah, nursing programs across the country are getting shorter and shorter. And that's great for students because they're getting to the bedside quicker. But what we can't make up for is this difference in experience. Ally: How much is put on you guys in order to kind of get people up to speed and I would say record time? Yeah. Yeah, nursing programs across the country are getting shorter and shorter. And that's great for students because they're getting to the bedside quicker. But what we can't make up for is this difference in experience. And so I think that In-Person: And so I think that, you know, I've been a nurse X amount of years and every year that I'm a nurse, I feel like I learned something else. I learn a different process. I learn how to make a process better. I learn a different assessment skill. Maybe I learn something about a patient population that I had no idea because I don't see it every day in practice. And I think being open to that lifelong learning is really important as a nurse. And recognizing that Ally: You know, I've been a nurse X amount of years and every year that I'm a nurse I feel like I learned something else. I learn a different process. I learn how to make a process better. I learn a different assessment skill. Maybe I learn something about a patient population that I had no idea because I don't see it every day in practice. And I think being open to that lifelong learning is really important as a nurse. And recognizing that In-Person: While we're still trying to prepare you, you know, there are things that we really can't prepare you for. And that's when you have to kind of open yourself up to those situations and it takes a lot of vulnerability and it's a lot to ask of a person. Ally: While we're still trying to prepare you, you know, there are things that we really can't prepare you for and that's when you have to kind of open yourself up to those situations and it takes a lot of vulnerability and it's a lot to ask of a person. Yeah, absolutely. And I, you know, I think it's it's similar in that sense to infection prevention too. It's continuously there's new protocols, new information, new recommendations. you know, in terms of education for me, educating staff similar to you with new staff coming in, it can kind of feel like I'm saying the same stuff, but with new people coming in and I would be curious to know In-Person: Yeah, absolutely. And I you know, I think it's it's similar in that sense to infection prevention too. It's continuously there's new protocols, new information, new recommendations. you know, in terms of education for me, educating staff similar to you with new staff coming in, it can kind of feel like I'm saying the same stuff, but with new people coming in and I would be curious to know in Ally: in terms of like nursing education, In-Person: terms of like nursing education Ally: what they're taught about infection prevention, and what that looks like. I it's it's super interesting. I love educating. I think it's a huge part of infection prevention. but it is it is really hard and it's a lot of work, especially being, I mean, really any hospital size. I know there's some IPs who they're the sole IP for their entire In-Person: what they're taught about infection prevention and what that looks like. I it's it's super interesting. I love educating. I think it's a huge part of infection prevention. but it is it is really hard and it's a lot of work, especially being I mean really any hospital size. I know there's some IPs who they're the sole IP for their entire Ally: institution, place of work. In-Person: institution, place of work. Ally: Yeah, you'll even have some IPs who cover occupational health who are also you know, they're covering like three different departments as a single person. So I can't even imagine how difficult that is. I I am lucky that I am a part of a team, but education is a huge piece for sure. In-Person: Yeah, you'll even have some IPs who cover occupational health who are also you know, they're covering like three different departments as a single person. So I can't even imagine how difficult that is. I I am lucky that I am a part of a team, but education is a huge piece for sure. Ally: Relating to IP, if I may, is there anything In-Person: Relating to IP, if I may. Yeah. Is there anything aha moment wise, education wise, related to infection prevention that has stuck with you? Yes. I think that when I was, you know, reflecting back when I was in nursing school and even looking at the curriculum that I teach students today, there is an element of infection prevention, but there's not an emphasis. Ally: Aha moment wise, education-wise related to infection prevention that has stuck with you? Yes. I think that when I was, you know, reflecting back when I was in nursing school and even looking at the curriculum that I teach students today, there is an element of infection prevention, but there's not an emphasis. In-Person: And and I wanna be very cautious saying that, because of course as nurses we understand that preventing infections is super important to our patient populations. What I mean by that is I had no idea about the role of an infection preventionist until I came into practice. And until I was well into my practice. And I'm so grateful that I get to work with you and work with other IPs that really get to teach me new things and keep me up to date on evidence-based practice. And I I wonder how we can better integrate that into more bedside care and for patients. but yeah, the aha moment is that. Ally: That really get to teach me new things and keep me up to date on evidence-based practice. And I wonder how we can better integrate that into more bedside care and for patients. But yeah, the aha moment is that these two worlds seem so divided, but we really are all. In-Person: These two worlds seem so divided, but we really are all working towards the same goal. And I think that it's so important that nurses out there realize that you're our partner and not there to punish us or tell us what we're doing wrong. Yeah, a hundred percent. Thank you for saying that because I thought that is that is definitely how I feel. yeah, it's so interesting. We all have the same goal, right? Like we all Ally: The same goal. And I think that it's so important that nurses out there realize that you're our partner and not there to punish us or tell us what we're doing wrong. Yeah, 100%. Thank you for saying that because I do that is that is definitely how I feel. yeah, it's so interesting. We all have the same goal, right? Like we all want to make sure patients stay healthy, safe. We don't want to cause any harm all the with us. And also too, like I'm I'm worried about you guys. I want you guys to be safe. I want you guys to be protected. In-Person: want to make sure patients stay healthy, safe. We don't want to cause any harm all the with us. And also too, like I'm I'm worried about you guys. I want you guys to be safe. I want you guys to be protected. Ally: I think it's hopefully I do kind of start to see a culture shift. I think infection preventionist used to the field's changed a lot. I think it used to be more kind of policing. Like I do think that is kind of In-Person: I think it's hopefully I do kind of start to see a culture shift. I think infection preventionist used to the field's changed a lot. I think it used to be more kind of policing. Like I do think that is kind of from what I've heard from people who were in this field before I was, it it did kind of seem there was almost this like power struggle that used to happen. Ally: from what I've heard from people who were in this field before I was, it it did kind of seem there was almost this like power struggle that used to happen. I hope people don't feel that when they work with me. But I I do think culturally it's it's becoming more we're on the same team, we're learning from each other. And I hope that continues 'cause it's I think it's definitely more effective than In-Person: I hope people don't feel that when they work with me. But I I do think culturally it's it's becoming more we're on the same team, we're learning from each other. And I hope that continues because it's I think it's definitely more effective than Yeah. You know. It's never it's never good if anyone's pointing fingers at anybody. No. No. And that's we're missing the point if that's what we're doing. Exactly. Right. That is not the ultimate goal. So Ally: You know, it's never it's never good if anyone's pointing fingers at anybody. No, no. And that's we're missing the point if that's what we're doing. Exactly. Right. That is not the ultimate goal. So let's say we have an infection preventionist listening. Okay. Struggling to get buy-in on some sort of initiative. I'm gonna bring up hand hygiene because I feel like everyone struggles with hand hygiene. From your perspective as a nurse leader. In-Person: Let's say we have an infection preventionist listening. Okay. Struggling to get buy-in on some sort of initiative. I'm gonna bring up hand hygiene because I feel like everyone struggles with hand hygiene. From your perspective as a nurse leader, what do you think is the most important thing when it comes to building relationships and getting bedside nurses engaged in any sort of initiative, education? Ally: What do you think is the most important thing when it comes to building relationships and getting bedside nurses engaged in any sort of initiative, education? Just having them be a part of essentially just like a part of the team. In-Person: Just having them be a part of essentially just like a part of the team. Yeah. I think this can obviously be challenging, depending on where you work. And I love that we kind of already touched on it. But I think to the IP listening that wants buy-in from unit leadership and bedside staff, I think remembering that we are all on the same team and the policing aspect, I think we can let that persona we can leave her in the past, if you will. I also think for the bedside nurse, I think radiating like a positivity in shining that light is super helpful. Just because I, you know, as a nurse who still practice at the bedside, when you are in the thick of it, it's really hard to some to have someone come in and say, Okay, you're doing this wrong, you're doing this wrong, you're doing this wrong. Ally: I also think for the bedside nurse, I think radiating like a positivity in shining that light is super helpful. Just because I, you know, as a nurse who still practice at the bedside, when you are in the thick of it, it's really hard to some to have someone come in and say, Okay, you're doing this wrong, you're doing this wrong, you're doing this wrong. And so I think maybe offering like different strategies to that message. In-Person: And so I think maybe offering like different strategies to that message, because at the end of the day, if you're doing something wrong, we do need to be told, right? Like we don't want to miss that point. Right, right. But I think understanding that we're all on the same team and we all have the same purpose and managing the attitude that you bring to the table. and maybe not overshining. Ally: Because at the end of the day, if you're doing something wrong, we do need to be told, right? Like we don't want to miss that point. Right, right. But I think understanding that we're all on the same team and we all have the same purpose and managing the attitude that you bring to the table. and maybe not overshining with positivity, like you want to stay real, but In-Person: with positivity, like you wanna stay real, but no one wants the Debbie Downer walking into their room and telling them that they're doing everything wrong. because that doesn't create buy-in, right? That doesn't make you wanna do something. Yeah, absolutely. just from my personal experience, oftentimes I only have one piece of the puzzle, right? Like I'm only seeing one aspect, one you know Ally: No one wants the Debbie Downer walking into their room and telling them that they're doing everything wrong. because that doesn't create buy-in, right? That doesn't make you want to do something. Yeah, absolutely. just from my personal experience, oftentimes I only have one piece of the puzzle, right? Like I'm only seeing one aspect, one you know, I I don't know the full picture typically. Yeah. In-Person: I don't know the full picture typically. Yeah. Ally: And I think it's really important to walk in and just be like, Okay, like this is your patient. You are the expert. What's going on? In-Person: And I think it's really important to walk in and just be like, okay, like, this is your patient, you are the expert, what's going on? Ally: You know, what what does this look like from your perspective? Yeah. Why is this happening? Yeah. Right. Instead of saying, this is just wrong. Like, tell me why. Right. Tell me what what's been going on. Right. I mean, especially with the kind of patients that you care for, they are oftentimes super complex. There it's a lot going on. In-Person: You know, what what does this look like from your perspective? Yeah. Why is this happening? Yeah. Right? Instead of saying, this is just wrong. Like tell me why tell me what what's been going on. Right. I mean, especially with the kind of patients that you care for, they are oftentimes super complex. There is a lot going on. Ally: I think I always learn and there's we don't ever treat a situation the same because every person, situation, patient's different. In-Person: I think I always learn and there's we don't ever treat a situation the same because every person, situation, patient's different. Yeah. And I I have to highlight you for just a moment because I think because I think that's something you do so well and it's it's so easy to partner with you both as a leader and as a bedside nurse. 'Cause you come to the table, on my leadership side understanding that Ally: Because I think that's something you do so well and it's it's so easy to partner with you both as a leader and as a bedside nurse. 'Cause you come to the table, on my leadership side, understanding that our plates are very big and they're very full and they're very heavy, and you're always so supportive of that and our common goal. And you really do take the time to form relationships with the bedside staff. And I think that that In-Person: Our plates are very big and they're very full and they're very heavy and you're always so supportive of that and our common goal. And you really do take the time to form relationships with the bedside staff. And I think that that cannot be highlighted enough because now my staff trust you. They know when you're coming that it's not Ally: Cannot be highlighted enough because now my staff trust you. They know when you're coming that it's not to police them or to tell them they're doing something wrong, and they can literally look at you and say, Allie, this is terrible. And you can say, Okay, like what can I do to help? And I don't think that In-Person: to police them or to tell them they're doing something wrong and they can literally look at you and say, Allie, this is terrible and you can say, Okay, like what can I do to help? And I don't think that that would be achievable if the relationship aspect was missed in the beginning. Well that's very kind. Thank you. I really admired the work that you guys do. Ally: would be achievable if the relationship aspect was missed in the beginning. Well that's very kind. Thank you. I really admired the work that you guys do. I see a small portion of what you guys do every day, but I just think you guys are incredible and any way I can support you guys, I'm always gonna try to do it. So I really appreciate that. So thank you. In-Person: I see a small portion of what you guys do every day, but I just think you guys are incredible and any way I can support you guys I'm always gonna try to do it. So I really appreciate that, so thank you. Yeah. Ally: thinking about the relationship with infection preventionists and nursing. Is there something it that you wish every infection preventionist understood about bedside nursing? In-Person: thinking about their relationship with infection preventionists and nursing, is there something it that you wish every infection preventionist understood about bedside nursing? Well, if I had to say yes, I would say I wish that every IP understood that every patient and every situation and every day is just different. And nurses are balancing so many different p roles, if you will. Ally: If I had to say yes, I would say I wish that every IP understood that every patient and every situation and every day is just different. And nurses are balancing so many different roles, if you will. In-Person: And so many different people. And oftentimes if you go to some of these floors, these nurses are caring for five, six patients, they've got respiratory, they've got dietary, they've got infection prevention, they've got the providers of three different teams asking them questions about all six of their patients. And so I think understanding that every day is different. And if you encounter someone who may not Ally: someone who may not appreciate the support or advice that you're giving, don't necessarily give up on them because it might be a bad day, it might be a bad situation. and that that's a two way street. Yeah, absolutely. I think you know, we've we've d we've talked about this before, but we're all human. We're all just trying to do our best. yeah, that's great. Thank you. Yeah, thank you. In-Person: appreciate the support or advice that you're giving. Don't necessarily give up on them because it might be a bad day, it might be a bad situation. and that that's a two-way street. Yeah, absolutely. I think, you know, we've we've we've talked about this before, but we're all human. We're all just trying to do our best. yeah, that's great. Thank you. Yeah, thank you. Ally: And when looking at the next generation of nurses, especially the ones that you're teaching, ones that you work with day to day, you kind of see them evolve during school and you know, possibly you might maybe work with them one day. What gives you hope about the future of nursing and what do you hope they carry with them into their careers? In-Person: And when looking at the next generation of nurses, especially the ones that you're teaching, ones that you work with day to day, you kind of see them evolve during school and you know possibly you might maybe work with them one day. What gives you hope about the future of nursing and what do you hope they carry with them into their careers? I have a lot of hope for the future of nursing. this is a profession that I care about deeply and I see students starting to understand that. And I don't know if it's something that you can truly understand the gravity of it until you're in it and practicing for a certain amount of time. Who knows what that time frame is, honestly. But Ally: And I see students starting to understand that. And I don't know if it's something that you can truly understand the gravity of it until you're in it and practicing for a certain amount of time. Who knows what that time frame is, honestly. But In-Person: it gives me hope to see them focusing on their why and them really being excited. Ally: It gives me hope to see them focusing on their why and them really being excited to be the champion for their patient or patients. That that is inspiring and watching them succeed in a skill or a task or an assessment, that is like the light of the future. And I think that that's really important. In-Person: To be the champion for their patient or patients. That that is inspiring. And watching them succeed in a skill or a task or an assessment, that is like the light of the future. And I think that that's really important. Yeah, kind of like refuels your soul long hard days. Yes, for sure. I bet it does. Ally: Yeah, kinda like refuels your soul after some long hard days. Yes, for sure. I bet it does. And when you think about the kind of leader and nurse you want to be remembered as, what do you hope your impact is? In-Person: When you think about the kind of leader and nurse you want to be remembered as, what do you hope your impact is? I don't know that I've ever thought about this, truthfully. I think back to when I was in nursing school and I was going through clinical and I got to watch those nurses really just be the calm in a storm and not only for Ally: those nurses really just be the calm in a storm and not only for the situation that was at hand but for the patient. Like they were able to bring it back and despite the chaos talk to the patient, talk the patient through the moment of what was happening. In-Person: the situation that was at hand, but for the patient, like they were able to bring it back and despite the chaos, talk to the patient, talk the patient through the moment of what was happening. And so I'm not a hundred percent sure how that ties into leadership or education, but at the end of the day, that's that's the kind of nurse that I want to be remembered as, is the person who, if they don't know the answer to your question, they'll help you find it. And Ally: And so I'm not a hundred percent sure how that ties into leadership or education, but at the end of the day that's that's the kind of nurse that I want to be remembered as, is the person who, if they don't know the answer to your question, they'll help you find it. And they'll never make you feel dumb for asking what you think is a dumb question, because I promise that really is not a thing. And someone who can calm the storm even though the storm is prevailing. In-Person: They'll never make you feel dumb for asking what you think is a dumb question because I promise that really is not a thing. And someone who can calm the storm even though the storm is prevailing. Ally: I mean I think what you just described is a great leader, so I think I think you're doing a great job. Thank ya. Yes. When you just observe someone, they're not expecting any recognition. they're just showing up doing their job. In-Person: I mean I think what you just described is a great leader, so I think I think you're doing a great job. Thank ya. Yes. When you just observe someone, they're not expecting any recognition. they're just showing up doing their job. Ally: And I think that's probably one of the things I admire most about you, nursing in general. What I've observed is, you know, it's it is a hard job. Oftentimes it can feel thankless. I just I think it's remarkable and incredible. And I'm just really grateful I'm able to work with you guys and witness it. And In-Person: And I think that's probably one of the things I admire most about you. Nursing in general, what I've observed is, you know, it's it is a hard job. Oftentimes it can feel thankless. I just I think it's remarkable and incredible. And I'm just really grateful I'm able to work with you guys and witness it. And Ally: If we have any nurses listening, I hope you guys do feel appreciated. You are seen. I know it doesn't always feel like that. I know the days are really long and tough. In-Person: If we have any nurses listening, I hope you guys do feel appreciated. You are seen. I know it doesn't always feel like that. I know the days are really long and tough. Ally: but I can speak for myself and other infection preventionists that I work with too. We greatly value, respect you guys and I just In-Person: but I can speak for myself and other infection preventionists that I work with too. We greatly value, respect you guys, and I just you guys are angels on earth that people don't really we don't give the time of day to and it's unfortunate. I think COVID you guys got like five seconds and then it went away. I hope Ally: You guys are angels on earth that people don't really we don't give the time of day to. And it's unfortunate. I think COVID, you guys got like five seconds and then it went away. I hope that's something that'll change in the future. But if not, just know even if we don't say it every day, we do really appreciate and value you guys. And then I do wanna ask this is a question I like to ask all of my guests, if I may. In-Person: That's something that'll change in the future, but if not, just know, even if we don't say it every day, we do really appreciate it by you guys. And then I do to ask, this is a question I like to ask all of my guests. Okay, okay. You kind of brought up, you know, you the students that you teach their why, why they're in the work that they do. But what is your why? Why do you continue to do this work? Ally: You kind of brought up, you know, you the students that you teach their why, why they're in the work that they do. But what is your why? Why do you continue to do this work? In-Person: I think truly is that if I can make the smallest difference in someone's day, you know, working in critical care, oftentimes the prognosis is less than good. And I think that knowing and accepting that I sometimes cannot change that, I can provide them with dignity, I can provide them with information. Ally: smallest difference in someone's day. You know, working in critical care oftentimes the prognosis is less than good. And I think that knowing and accepting that I sometimes cannot change that. I can provide them with dignity. I can provide them with information. In-Person: and I can still be a small part of their story and not the part that even they necessarily need to remember, but if I can bring them comfort or peace in any way, I think that that that's more or less my why. See, I was right. You guys are angels on the Ally: And I can still be a small part of their story and not the part that even they necessarily need to remember, but if I can bring them comfort or peace in any way, I think that that that's more or less my why. See I was right, you guys are angels on earth. In-Person: Well, for our huddle corner today, wrapping up. Ally: Well, for our Huddle Corner today, wrapping up, I just first wanted to thank you so much for coming on the podcast. It was so great to talk to you and I really appreciate you coming on. Thank you so much for having me. This was so much fun. Of course. I just one final question. In-Person: I just first wanted to thank you so much for coming on the podcast. It was so great to talk to you and I really appreciate you coming on. Thank you so much for having me. This was so much fun. Of course. I just one final question. I wondered if you had like any books, Ally: I wondered if you had like any books. In-Person: readings, podcasts, any recommendations for people who are interested in nursing or infection prevention or kind of the human side to the work that you do. Do you have any recommendations for people to check out? Ally: Readings, podcasts, any recommendations for people who are interested in nursing or infection prevention or kind of the human side to the work that you do? Do you have any recommendations for people to check out? In-Person: Hmm. I I think can I offer some unsolicited advice in regards to references? Okay. So I think there are are a lot Ally: Some unsolicited advice in regards to 100% references. Yes. So I think there are a In-Person: of references, books, podcasts, articles, and a lot of content creators even that do some pretty incredible work. Ally: books, podcasts, articles, and a lot of content creators even that do some pretty incredible work. In-Person: my unsolicited advice for someone who is interested in the field of nursing is where I'll stay, is take everything in with a grain of salt. and just remember to stay true to who you are at the end of it all, because there's so much information out there. And there's especially with nursing, there's just so many things you can do in the field. And one content creator or one book may make you think, I really want to do this and this only. I just really encourage you to keep an open mind and an open heart throughout the entire process if it's something you decide to pursue. I think that it can be challenging if you really make up your mind and maybe you get into it and it's not the best fit for you. Ally: Throughout the entire process, if it's something you decide to pursue. I think that it can be challenging if you really make up your mind and maybe you get into it and it's not the best fit for you. And so I think that if I could say anything to someone who is interested in pursuing nursing, it would be that. Just stay true to who you are and take everything in, but realize that at the end of the day you can really do and make this career what you want it. In-Person: And so I think that if I could say anything to someone who was interested in pursuing nursing, it would be that. Just stay true to who you are and take everything in, but realize that at the end of the day, you can really do and make this career what you want it to be. Perfect. Thank you so much for coming on. Thanks. Ally: Perfect. Thank you so much for coming on. Thank you for listening to Culture Positive. If you have any questions or ideas for an episode, please send me an email at CulturePositive Pod at gmail.com. You can also Thank you for listening to Culture Positive. If you have any questi Nope. find me on Instagram at CulturePositive Pod. Please like, share, and review the podcast wherever you listen. References for the episode can be found in the notes. Infection prevention is about more than policies and protocols. It's about people. Until next time, stay curious, stay compassionate, and keep building a culture that's truly positive.