ERIN ABRAHAMSEN
MS , RN , Lieutenant Colonel in the Rhode Island National Guard – 143d Medical Group ; served as a Clinical Lead on the Congregate Setting Support Team in support of the state ’ s COVID-19 response
HOW DID YOU GET INTO NURSING ? When I was young , I knew that I wanted an exciting and challenging job that would allow me to help people . Nursing seemed like it could be that way . I was right !
WHAT ’ S THE MOST REWARDING PART OF YOUR ROLE ? Being able to accompany patients or staff on some of the best or worst days of their life and trying to support them through it . Nurses have rare access into people ’ s lives when they are most vulnerable . This has been especially true with my time in the military . I ’ ve cared for several people experiencing their worst days far from home . The kindness and care you give feels especially meaningful and deeply appreciated .
IN A
NON- TRADITIONAL SETTING nurse OF THE YEAr
TELL US ABOUT YOUR TIME AS A NURSE PLANNER ON THE HEALTH CARE SURGE PLANNING TEAM . The field hospitals were built with the ability to treat many patients during the first wave of the pandemic when a large surge of patients was predicted . As a nurse on the team , I paid attention to planning care for the patients in such a large and unique setting .
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ALISON KELLEY
MSN , RN , Clinical Nurse Educator / Coordinator of the Emergency Department at Hasbro Children ’ s Hospital
HOW DID YOU GET INTO NURSING ? Growing up , my mom was an ER nurse . Seeing the impact she had on her patients helped me decide to go to nursing school . Between hearing her stories and my clinical rotation in the ER , I truly could not see myself doing anything else .
WHAT ’ S YOUR FAVORITE PART OF BEING A CLINICAL NURSE EDUCATOR ? Watching the new nurses connect theory and practice truly makes me feel like I am making a difference . I love seeing the expressions on their faces as they practice what I have taught them and seeing them develop strong practices and become amazing nurses .
TELL US ABOUT A CAREER ACCOMPLISHMENT THAT MAKES YOU PROUD . Becoming the clinical educator in a Level 1 Trauma Center all while being a mom to three young children at home and my husband was in college for nursing . Being a clinical educator was always a dream of mine since I went into nursing .
WHAT DO YOU WISH MORE PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT YOUR ROLE ? Teaching adult learners is extremely difficult . There is a wide variety of diversity when it comes to educating nurses . Each person learns in a different way , from hands-on to auditory learning . For difficult concepts , I have to present specific topics in multiple ways for all learners to understand . >>
CLINICAL NURSE EDUCATOR
OF THE YEAR