Nursing Week: ‘You never stop learning’

“The highly skilled and educated senior nurses I worked with during my educational placements at Mount Sinai always took the time to explain their techniques and share  advice. Right from the beginning, I could see how amazing and supportive the Sinai Health team is.

Now I’m working in the Emergency Department and this is an environment where I will continue to learn and grow professionally. Eventually, I’d like to become a team lead to support new nurses when they have questions or need help.”

—Athena Servinis, RN, Emergency Department, Mount Sinai Hospital

“During my placement I was developing my skills every shift. When an opportunity came  to work on the unit as a clinical extern, I jumped at the chance. The experience taught me about disease processes, surgeries, treatments, and outcomes for our patients on the surgical unit.

Now that I am hired on full-time, I’m currently taking a course that gives me schooling and clinical placement experience in critical care nursing. As a new grad I can’t imagine a better place to start my nursing career.” 

—Stanislau Herman, RN, Intensive Care Unit, Mount Sinai Hospital

“My clinical placement went beyond my expectations. It was an excellent learning environment with a culture of safety and an engaging team dynamic. I knew when I graduated I wanted to work in an environment that would foster my development.

Now that I’m working on the General Internal Medicine and Cardiology Unit full-time, I’m taking some continuing education courses. I also want to be involved in quality improvement projects and research about best practices. My goal for the next three years is to continue my studies and earn my master’s degree. Ultimately learning, quality improvement and research is all about providing the best care for my patients. You never stop learning!”

—La Shown St. Louis, RN, GIM/Cardiology, Mount Sinai Hospital

“I never felt awkward asking questions. As a student and even as a new nurse that’s very important. That is an ideal environment for nurses but also for patients because it enables us to provide the best care.

As a student, I felt excited to go to my placement each day. I had a manager who went the extra mile to ensure I had a good learning experience. Now that I’m an RN at Mount Sinai, I can contribute to that welcoming and supportive learning environment for students and new nurses."

—Stephanie Bilko, RN, Surgical Care, Mount Sinai Hospital

“I recently participated in an education day with my colleagues on the Stroke Rehabilitation Unit at Hennick Bridgepoint. Educational opportunities are important to refresh our knowledge and keep up with changes in best practice.

I’ve been able to attend conferences about wound care, an aspect of nursing I’m particularly interested in. I also recently had the opportunity to attend a training course at the Michener Institute. I love attending these educational days and participating in other learning opportunities.”

—Imelda Estrada, RN, Stroke Rehabilitation, Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital