CLINICAL PRACTICE NURSE
Victoria Horsfield , bsn , rn-bc
Psychiatry , The Miriam Hospital
Why did you choose the nursing field ? I am fortunate enough to know I have wanted to be a nurse since elementary school , when my brother Nicholas was born . I remember vividly at nine years old visiting my mom in the hospital after having my brother and being in awe of the nurses . That was my first real exposure to hospitals and nursing staff and I knew immediately that ’ s what I wanted to be when I grew up . In my nine-year-old mind , I wanted to bring Tylenol and ginger ale to new moms or help soothe newborns when they cried . Of course , I now know the role of a nurse is so much more than that while simultaneously appreciating how far a fresh cup of ginger ale and turkey sandwich can go . I did not go into labor and delivery as I thought I would , but rather med-surgery , stroke and now psychiatry . The range of patients I have been able to care for and the many hats I have worn throughout the last six years have been both challenging and rewarding , but I truly would not change a thing . I feel so grateful to help others on their darkest days , whether learning to walk and talk after a stroke or supporting those suffering from mental health and substance use disorders to get them the treatment they need .
What are you most proud of during your time at The Miriam Hospital ? I am without a doubt most proud of how I have wholeheartedly advocated for my patients over the last six | | CONTINUED ON PAGE 80
70 RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY l SEPTEMBER 2023