As a student of New York City College of Technology (NYCCT), I have learned a great deal of skills to become the best nurse possible. I was not always this way. Taking the time to think back and reflect on the person I used to be, versus what I am today, shows me what a major difference NYCCT has helped me achieve.

NYCCT believes that their nursing students should become well-rounded and be capable of providing teamwork in an interdisciplinary team. Prior to becoming a nursing student, my interdisciplinary team consisted of me, myself, and I. I had poor skills when communicating with other departments of my job at the time – because I did not know what their roles were. I now take the time to understand scopes of practice to understand what my duties are, as a nurse. I also understand, albeit rather broadly, what tasks my coworkers perform. Whether they are doctors (MDs/DOs), nurse practitioners (NPs), dieticians, social workers, case managers, physical therapists, ancillary staff, house staff, management, etc… I’ve taken the time and have experienced working directly with all of the team members, and I can safely refer a patient to the appropriate person, when needed.

Another mission of NYCCT is to aid students in cultivating their ability to advocate for their patients. A wonderful nurse is not afraid to speak up when needed. During my first day in clinical, I witnessed a registered nurse (RN) tell a patient some wrong information about a medication they were administering. Although I was pretty sure at the time that I knew the information was wrong, I second-guessed myself because they were the RN, not me. So, I kept that problem to myself. To this day, although the omission of her information was not fatal or dangerous to the patient, it was incorrect teaching that the patient received. During my continued days at clinical rotations, I learned more about nursing, and I became less and less likely to speak up about mistakes. Nowadays, I have no problems at all calling up a doctor and asking if they truly meant to give a high dose of medication that is toxic to the kidneys to a patient with renal impairment. If it helps my patient, I am not afraid.

NYCCT is known for technology – so it makes plenty of sense for a nurse that graduates from this program to be very well-versed in using technology and accepting advances. At work, I am the go-to for IT problems when there is little time to call the actual IT department for help. Growing up, I always enjoyed building and taking apart computers for fun. It was a true hobby of mine. Now, I get to mix my hobbies of helping others and being an expert on technology. I get to teach patients how to use a program dedicated to their healthcare by demonstrating on an iPad provided by the hospital, or by helping them access our information through their smartphones. It’s fantastic when a patient’s eyes light up and they understand how to perform these tasks to be in better control of their healthcare.

I have seen, experienced, and learned many things at NYCCT. From here, it is only an upward trend in my education and learning levels. I will, no doubt, become an amazing nurse by continuing my education at NYCCT. Even though I have already completed so much, I am sure there is much more to be expected in the future. This nurse is not yet done!