VOLUME 03 ISSUE 01 | BACK-TO-SCHOOL EDITION 2016-2017
SPRING SEMESTER RECAP
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF RUSON
RUTGERS SENATE OF NURSING
WE CAN’T HELP EVERYONE BUT EVERYONE CAN HELP SOMEONE RONALD REAGAN, FORMER PRESIDENT & POLITICIAN
suraya almosbeh, alumni
BECOMING A NURSE I never thought I would be a nurse. I never played nurse as a child, I never had any nurses in my family, nor did I fully understand the different aspects of the profession. Often I ask myself, “Why did I choose this profession? What makes me love it?” Well, as my experiences change so does my reasoning. I knew what I was interested in pursuing upon entering college; I wanted a career where I could help others, meet new people and impact their lives. I also wanted a challenge (and challenge I got, thanks Rutgers!) Nursing offered all those opportunities and more. As my college career came to an end, my dedication towards the nursing profession has only just begun. Upon graduation, I was honored to have been the undergraduate speaker for the Class of 2016 at the School of Nursing Convocation. As I sat on stage, I knew this day would live in my heart forever. I wished to feel the immense happiness, the pride seeing my family’s smiling faces and the rush of the applause of the crowd for us, the graduates, every time I enter a hospital, every time I approach patients, but that’s impossible. Graduating from Rutgers University School of Nursing has been one the proudest accomplishments of my entire life. I also felt humbled. I felt that I was very lucky to be in a career that encourages empathy, respect and kindness towards others. It is also a challenging career with endless opportunities and limitless methods of growth; emotionally and academically. I knew that as a nurse, I would evolve with my experiences. With every patient encounter, I will be affected; they will touch my life as I have theirs. I also understood the demands of the career. Tomorrow is different and I reminded my audience, the wide eyed soon to be new nurses that, “tomorrow we will enter a world very different from today. We will gently place our stethoscope onto a chest; meticulously counting every beat and noting every sound. We will carefully draw up our syringes. With our hearts pounding, we will review the 6 patient rights over and over again and we will successfully help our patient but we will receive no round of applause” I knew the new career would be difficult. I knew that we, “will change [a patient’s] life but there will be no one to tell us, every shift, how amazing we are or how influential we have been. There will be no one to say that we have touched every patient’s life. No one will tell us the large impact of our small actions.” Remember that we are learning what seem to be endless amounts of knowledge to better care for patients. Some of those patient’s will be grateful, and some may not. That is quite okay. You must be your biggest cheerleader. Remind your-
self of why you chose nursing. Why you chose to make a difference in this world through patient care. I did not choose it for the praise or glory. I chose nursing because it allowed me heal the patient as a whole; I could comfort and support them physically, mentally and emotionally. I chose to be a nurse because it is the best version of myself. I chose to be a nurse because, to put it simply, I care about people. As a nursing student, I could not wait to see how nursing would change my life. As a new graduate, I cannot wait to see how my nursing career will change the lives of others. While we as nurses will often give our upmost to our patients, “there will be no one to tell us, every shift, how amazing we are or how influential we have been. There will be no one to say that we have touched every patient’s life. No one will tell us the large impact of our small actions.” I urge everyone, to constantly remember why you chose this profession whether as students, new nurses or well experiences nurses. Will nursing school or your new career get easier as the years go by? No. Will you be better prepared to deal with it? Yes. Will the struggle be worth it? Absolutely. While there may be moments you feel discouraged, remember that truly only you will know the difference you have made on a patient and only you can bring yourself towards happiness and success.
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IF YOU donated. DREAM IT YOU CAN DO IT
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WALT DISNEY, VISIONARY
WITH THE BABY BOOMERS’ SOON TO RETIRE, THE NEED FOR BSN NURSES CONTINUES TO INCREASE
25 ranking At the close of the year, Rutgers University remains one of the top 25 graduate nursing schools in the nation for it academics and research. This year, graduate nursing student included a vast variety of students from DNPs, PhDs, and several masters programs including informatics and clinical nursing leadership.
250 graduation With graduation colliding with the 250th Rutgers Anniversary event, the class of 2016 had the opportunity to hear President Barack Obama speak at the 2016 university convocation event. Additionally, nursing student also had the opportunity to hear CEO and president of Stand Up to Cancer Sung Poblete (RUSON alumni) speak at convocation.
suraya almosbeh, alumni
WORDS OF WISDOM My incredible journey here at Rutgers has been unforgettable. To current students, I wish you all a college experience full of great moments; times that will bring you happiness, humility and enlightenment. Here are some few words that I believe have helped to make Rutgers such a memorable place:
1. Never compare yourself to others.
This advice should be applied to every aspect of your life. Whether in the classroom or at work; people come from different experiences, different challenges and their life is, to put it simply, not your life. The challenges of nursing will always be easier for some rather than others. There will always be that one student that knows it all or that one nurse that doesn’t need time to adjust, they just “get it”. That is perfectly okay; it is a part of life. The important thing to remember is to never lose that motivation to pursue what you want. Never strive to be the best; strive to be the best version of yourself.
2. Socialize and get involved!
It does not matter where or how you choose to give back, it may be through Student Senate or your local community. What is important is to make a difference, no matter how small. There is more to nursing than what we could ever learn in the classroom. The aim should always be to make your environment a better place for everyone and that can be done through volunteering, teaching and giving back!
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3. Listen to advice but follow your heart.
Whether you are a nursing student, a recently graduated new nurse, or a nurse of 20 years, people will always give you their opinions and their advice. There is no doubt the majority is well intended, but the final decision will always be your own. While I urge everyone to seek advice from those more experienced, remember that only you know what is best for yourself.
4. Failure is inevitable.
Contrary to what your mother has told you, you are not “perfect”. You are human. You are stressed. You won’t get everything correct all the time. My advice? Breathe. The earlier you accept that life will have it’s challenges, the better prepared you will be to face them. Remember that, “indeed, with hardship there will be ease. That every obstacle is a blessing because it will build endurance and patience within us that could not have been imagined.”
5. To the seniors, enjoy every moment!
Senior year is not easier than any other year prior. The course load has not changed. The level of difficulty has not lessened. You, however, have changed. You are better prepared and better equipped to handle clinical, class and everything in between. Just remember to enjoy the journey along the way. This is only the beginning for many of you. We as nurses understand that growth and knowledge are never ending. So, enjoy your todays. Do not rush for a tomorrow that will come in due time. Enjoy the moments of today, the classmates that have struggled and succeeded with you, the Professors who have helped you along the way and the friends and family who always brought comfort in the best and worst moments. There will always be more to learn but there will never be another senior year of your undergraduate nursing career!
I CHOSE TO BE A NURSE BECAUSE... I CARE ABOUT PEOPLE SURAYA ALMOSBEH, RUTGERS NURSE (D) SURAYA FORMERLY SERVED AS THE PRESIDENT AT LARGE FOR THE RUSON STUDENT SENATE
GRADUATION IS NOT THE END IT’S THE BEGINNING ORRIN HATCH, POLITICIAN & SENATOR
(E) CONVOCATION TOOK PLACE ON MAY 18TH 2016 (F) FACULTY WERE DRESSED IN THEIR ALMA MATER REGALIA (G) BSN, 2ND DEGREE, MSNS, PHD, AND DNPS WERE HONORED AT THE CEREMONY
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(H) STUDENTS, STAFF, & FACULTY COORDINATED TOGETHER TO PRODUCE A SEEMLESS CEREMONY (I) GRADUATES DECORATED THEIR HATS WITH QUOTES THAT GOT THEM THROUGH NURSING SCHOOL (J) THE GONFALONIERE OF THIS YEAR, AS WELL AS FOR PREVIOUS YEARS, WAS DR. BARBARA CANNELLA (K) THE VENUE, NJPAC, HOSTED THE MASSIVE CEREMONY AND WAS GARNISHED IN DECORATIONS (L) PROFESSORS HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO HONOR THEIR OWN STUDENTS WITH REGALIA (M) DISTINGUISHED GUESTS GAVE SPEECHES ADDRESSING THE STUDENTS AND THEIR FUTURE CAREERS
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cheryl pantini, alumni
GETTING THROUGH THE 2ND DEGREE Congratulations!
You have completed the online Nursing CAS application, gained acceptance into the competitive Rutgers Second Degree BS in Nursing program, and are on your way to earning a BSN! This program moves swiftly and may require a different approach than previous courses of study. I graduated from the Second Degree program in May and humbly offer a few pointers that helped me get the most out of the Rutgers.
Get organized.
After you have received each course syllabus, map out a comprehensive calendar for the semester. It should reflect dates for exams, quizzes, papers and group projects. As clinical dates become available, add them to the calendar. Be sure to update changes and additions regularly throughout the semester. Your commitment to organization will lead to great productivity and, ultimately, prove more efficient. Lastly, try not to feel overwhelmed by the volume of work assigned each semester. Take it day by day and you will succeed!
How to study.
Everyone learns differently. Reflect for a moment on how you learn and incorporate the best strategies into your daily study regimen. Approaches include study groups, reading, writing notes by hand, watching video explanations, writing outlines, and completing practice questions, just to name a few. Regardless of your personal approach to study, it is imperative to hit the books everyday and avoid procrastinating. The material is extensive and exercising a daily study regiment will ensure the strongest results.
Ask questions.
The content of academic material can be challenging. Reading the material or slides before each class will allow you to ask for clarification and pose questions during each class session. Do not feel like you should understand everything. You are a student, you are learning, and the time to ask questions is now! The classroom professors, clinical instructors, and simulation lab team at Rutgers always have an open door and will be happy to help you understand a concept with which you may be struggling. Just ask! (N) THE 2ND PROGRAM OFFERS A INTENSIVE PROGRAM THAT TAKES 14 MONTHES STRAIGHT
Clinical.
Get the most out of each clinical experience. Show up early, prepared and energized. You will learn skills best by doing. Befriend the team on the hospital floor to maximize the practical learning opportunities. Do not sit back and wait for things to happen to you. Be proactive - offer help, ask questions and be actively engaged.
Get involved.
Rutgers Second Degree BS in Nursing offers several opportunities to be an active member of the community. Student Senate, Community Ambassadors, NSNA, Peer Mentors, and Peer Tutoring are some of the organizations available on campus. Participation in these groups will allow you to promote change, give back to the community, develop leadership sills, and network with students, faculty and alumni. Speak to the Student Services department on campus for details. Remember, academic study is the priority but if you stay organized, there may be time to get involved.
Take time for you!
It is easy to become consumed by the rigors and demands of the program. Adequate self-care will optimize your success in the program. Do not forget to take care of yourself. Reserve time each week to do things specifically for you. Schedule calls and time with friends and family, eat healthy foods, and keep exercising daily. Treat these things as part of your workload because they will raise your academic acuity! My time at Rutgers facilitated a tremendous period of personal growth. I realized intense levels of productivity through detailed organization, achieved my BSN and gained clinical competencies in nursing, and strengthened leadership skills as 2nd Degree Student Senate President. I gave back to my local and school communities by leading several Community Ambassador events and serving as a Peer Mentor. Involvement in NSNA allowed me to extend my professional network across NJ. Through the deadlines and intense study sessions, I even managed to make a few life-long friends. Stick to the plan, apply yourself, and get ready to be amazed by what you can accomplish! I wish you the best of luck in all of your pursuits! And when you do graduate, please think about joining the Rutgers University School of Nursing Alumni Association. I look forward to meeting you!
THE NURSING PICNIC is an annual event that invites staff, faculty, students, and alumni to join and celebrate the successful year; the event features food, games, and music.
pak chau, sophomore
PICNIC AT THE PARK Dean Warren with the ‘dougie’ and nursing students violently yanking chairs from right under: the scene in itself was quite the party. Never would I have ever expected a schoolrun annual event to be so fun. Originally expecting just a brief picnic featuring generic Panera Bread sandwiches (as the nursing school just loves to order in bulk), I realized, upon arriving to the smell of fresh hotdogs on the grill, that maybe I’d enjoy myself a little. Little did I know I would end up having so much fun. Although finding out none of my friends could make it to New Brunswick for the event, I was a bit upset thinking I wouldn’t
have anyone to share these memories with. However, I gave a second chance at enjoying myself after exploring the beautiful scenery. One of the best part of the picnic was just mixing into the crowd and making a whole new set of friends and becoming more familiar with those I used called acquaintances. Nursing students spent that time unwinding with an assortment of music and the party games included musical chairs, a sponge soaking game, and even dizzy bat. Overall, I didn’t have much expectations but , without a doubt, I’m already awaiting the next year’s picnic!
katrina enriquez, junior julia chin, sophomore MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A GOOD SYSTEM STUDENT SENATE WORKS HARDSUPPORT TO EACH YEAR TO BECAUSE THINGS ARE ONLY GOING GET HARDER MAKE SURE THE STUDENT BODY HASTO FUN AND FROM HERE. IT DOESN’T MATTER WHO TO MAKES EXCITING EVENTS TO LOOK FORWARD DURING IT UP, JUSTULTIMATELY MAKE SUREWE YOU HAVE ONE.TO THE YEAR; ALSO WANT THROW AN AMAZING GRAD PARTY TOO
rebecca lintag, junior
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NEW BOARD NEW GOALS With the start of a new school year, come new classes, some unfamiliar faces, and plenty of knowledge to gain. The New Year brings a fresh start and a clean slate for ideas to become reality. The Rutgers School of Nursing Student Senate is very excited to have elected a new executive board to begin planning for a great year ahead. The 2016-2017 executive board features nine elected individuals, eager to represent the Rutgers Nursing student body. This year’s board is unique because the majority has held positions on the executive board in previous years. This added experience is beneficial in future planning, as we are able to learn from past mistakes to ensure even more successful outcomes. In addition, we welcome two new members, Richie Tran and Curt Carino, who bring
different insights and perspectives to the executive board. For the upcoming school year, our new executive board has set goals to see an increase in student involvement in Senate. As our nursing student population continues to grow across all the campuses, we hope to see a rise in turnout to Senate events and more participation from the student body. The executive board has even brought on a new position for a Public Affairs Chairperson, Pak Chau, in the efforts to increase communication among the students via advertisements and journaling on our social media sites. One exciting event that we have started brainstorming for is the RUSON Student Senate retreat for elected council members and chaired committees. This event has
proven to be a great learning experience for student leaders, as well as a great way to get to know students from different classes and campuses. In addition, we hope to continue with our two main events: the Nursing Career Event and the Post-Graduate Forum. These projects include inviting past Rutgers Alumni and experienced nurses to share their stories and advice with the students, a very beneficial learning experience outside the classroom. Lastly, we plan to hold more social events such as Game Nights and Movie Nights to bring the students together in a fun, relaxing way away from the stresses of the nursing school workload. It’s sure to be another exciting year; we hope you can be a part of it!
M gabby lazzara, junior OLD MEMORIES WERE RECALLED AND NEW ONES WERE MADE
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(M) PARTY GAMES PLANNED FOR COMPETITION AMONG THE STUDENTS; PRIZES WERE GIVEN OUT
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P marina nagib, sophomore THE EVENT ALLOWED A LOT OF STUDENTS TO GET TO KNOW OTHERS OUTSIDE OF CLASS
(O) STAFF WORKING AT THE SCHOOL OF NURSING ENJOYED THEIR MINI VACATION
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(P) FRIENDS OLD AND NEW RECONCILE AT THE PICNIC TO HAVE FUN
pak chau, sophomore
YOUR NEXT STEP FORWARD
sevara ruzehaji, alumni I’M LOOKING INTO A PHD IN NURSING
At the end of each semester, every student might get the feeling of coming one step closer to the end of the plank. Graduation is a bittersweet word that both describes the freedom from college but also the weary dive into the workplace environment. Unknowing what lies beyond textbooks and test-outs, the RUSON Student Senate takes part in making the transition a little less scary. Student Senate prepares eager nurses by hosting a post-graduate forum featuring notable alumni and faculty that offer advice on what to expect in nursing and how to approach the unknown. As one of the few sophomore attendees, I learned a lot which I attempted to summarize in three main points.
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have connections.
Even after applying through hundred of applications, people still have problems landing a job. One easy way of getting an opportunity is just knowing the right people. Whether it be finding that hidden, unlisted job opportunity or putting in a good word to the hiring manager, connections offer the upperhand in today’s job market. Building connections can go from talking to faculty outside of class, attending extracurricular seminars, and showing up to job fairs and introducing yourself directly to nurse recruiters. Check out the next forum hosted by RUSON and bring your copy of your resume to build your connections!
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AIM FOR THE HIGHEST ORRIN HATCH, POLITICIAN & SENATOR
ask your elders.
Without a doubt, who knows the path to becoming a successful nurse than someone who has already walked the path? Many major successes by notable alumni, as noted by the speakers, were a result of asking others, more knowledgeable than themselves, about making important decisions. When unclear, asking a mentor who has already reached the place that you wish to be in is an good way of figuring out the next steps and how to take them.
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be presentable.
One of the major requests from the juniors and seniors during the workshop was having alumni look over transcripts and resumes. Another request was to ask which interview questions to prepare for and how to tackle cover letters. The point is that employers do not know your personal story but they do judge heavily on first impressions and professional records such as resumes which is why up-keeping professionalism and keeping an up-to-date resume are key to landing the job.
R (Q) JUNIORS AND SENIORS ATTEND THE WORKSHOP TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE EXTERNSHIPS, THE JOB APPLICATION PROCESS, AND WORKING AS A NURSE (R) SOME STUDENTS TALK TO ALUMNI ABOUT ENTRY LEVEL JOBS AND WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN HAVING TO PICK FROM SEVERAL JOBS
anna-christine navaja, junior MY DREAM IS TO BE AN NURSE SPECIALIZING IN PSYCHIATRICS
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rachel sison, senior
SET SAIL FOR STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS All aboard the Cornucopia Majesty, generations of nursing excellence enjoyed a night of “Cruising for Scholarships” with the Garden State National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN). This second annual spring fundraiser featured elegant dining along the Manhattan skyline with live entertainment by the legendary Tony Vega and his Latin jazz orchestra. Donations were accepted throughout the night in an effort to create more scholarship opportunities and thereby increase diversity in nursing. Needless to say, it was a privilege to attend this beautiful event! The Garden State NAHN Chapter is committed to advancing the health in Hispanic communities and to lead, promote and advocate the educational, professional and leadership opportunities for its nurse members. Having only been established in 2014, it was inspiring to feel the passion from the President during her recollection of the year's accomplishments and to see how many national chapters attended to support their sister chapter. Special honorees of the night included Carlos Medina, recipient of the Community Leader Award, Diana Torres, recipient of the 2016 President's Award, and Celia Besore, recipient of the Excellence in Service Award. Never have I thought I would have had the opportunity to connect with such distinguished personnel, including the Dean of our School
of Nursing, former professors, the CEO and current President of New Jersey State Nurses Association and Miss National Teen Puerto Rico! Not only was it a great networking opportunity, but the cruise opened my eyes to the impact that professional organizations have on the community. I look forward to one day becoming a nursing leader with a mission of advocating for and encouraging student nurses and promoting community wellness. (S) THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR HISPANIC NURSES (NAHN) HOSTED A CRUISE TO SPONSOR A SCHOLARSHIPS FOR NURSING STUDENTS (T) RUTGERS NURSING STUDENTS HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO ATTEND ALONGSIDE FACULTY TO BUILD CONNECTIONS WITH THE NAHN (U) THE DINNER FEATURED MEMBER AWARDS, MOTIVATIONAL SPEECHES, NAHN CHAPTER RECOGNITIONS, AND LIVE MUSIC/DANCING
JOIN US FOR AVON WALK NEXT TIME 10.16.16 NEW YORK CITY 08:30AM TIL 02:30PM
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF RUSON
RUTGERS SENATE OF NURSING
PRESIDENT AT LARGE REBECCA LINTAG RAL186@SCARLETMAIL
UNIVERSITY SENATOR MILLICENT MOSERAY MILLYANDB@GMAIL
RUSON VICE PRESIDENT RACHEL SISON RNS66@SCARLETMAIL
STUDENT AFFAIRS REP RICHIE TRAN R22@SCARLETMAIL
RUSON SECRETARY CURT CARINO CJC293@SCARLETMAIL
ACADEMIC AFFAIRS JEFFREY DYNOF JEFFREY.DYNOF@RUTGERS
RUSON TREASURER KEVIN LO KCL53@SCARLETMAIL
PUBLIC RELATIONS CHAIRPERSON PAK CHAU PAKWACHAU@GMAIL
COMMUNITY OUTREACH CHAIRPERSON MOLLY NAFT MOLLYNAFT@GMAIL
2ND DEGREE PRESIDENT DESMOND NATHANSON DESMONDNATHANSON@GMAIL