Frederick Richardson , MSN , RN Breakthrough to Nursing Director 2016-2017 Nursing Instructor , Oakwood University Relief House Supervisor , Madison Hospital
I became a nurse after going through a traumatic injury in my left leg . As a teenage boy , basketball was my passion . But at the age of 15 , during basketball practice in high school , I tore my anterior cruciate ligament ( ACL ) in my left leg and fractured my femur and tibia bones . As a young black man without health insurance , I was left vulnerable in the healthcare system . Fortunately , I had a good doctor and an even greater nurse take care of me . Despite a lack of health insurance , my nurse took care of me as if I had the best health insurance plan in America . That day I learned the difference between sympathy and empathy .
During this period of my life a new passion burned in my heart : my desire to become a nurse . My love for basketball was an afterthought in comparison to my new love for nursing . And not just any nurse , but a compassionate , understanding , and empathetic nurse . Caring for others who were also vulnerable in the healthcare system was another focus in my new nursing pursuits .
Currently , I work as a college professor at Oakwood University , and I work PRN at a local hospital . Every day I am reminded to show the same compassion that was shown to me during my injury . Nursing is not just a profession for me , it is part of my identity . Caring for others in my community , while also educating the next generation of nurses , is an honor and a privilege . During my journey in nursing school , I have made many friends that I keep in touch with today . Some of the most distinct memories I recall was serving as the Breakthrough to Nursing Director in NSNA . I am thankful for all that I learned in that leadership role . n
Raya Cupler , MPA , BSN , RN NSNA Director , Health Policy and Advocacy Committee Chair 2016-17 Nurse Manager , The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
I grew up around healthcare as the daughter of a neurologist , I think most people expected me to become a doctor . I ’ ve always loved helping people , but at the dinner table I often heard the constraints my dad had to navigate around as a physician ; arguing with insurance companies to cover patient ’ s visits and cutting through red tape to get his patients the care they needed . Much like both of my parents my heart has always been for the underserved , people who didn ’ t have access to healthcare , or social services . I wanted to help the people who needed me the most in the most direct way I could , and that meant becoming a nurse .
I ’ ve had many mentors along the way who have helped me throughout my career from student nurse to nurse manager , in particular Sally Morgan who has truly helped shape me into the public servant I am today . I feel privileged to work for The Ohio State University Hospital Wexner Medical center as a nurse manager of an incredible unit where we get to take care of everyone that walks through our doors , as well as reach into the communities that need us to meet people where they are and provide them the high-quality healthcare we are known for .
I hope to continue to grow in my career and use my knowledge and experience to help shape health policy to maybe one day eradicate health disparities . If I had to give advice to the next generation of nurses , I would say chase what you truly love , find good mentors , stay true to yourself , and work at an institution that tangibly reflects your values . n
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