With so many specialties to choose from, it can be a challenge to describe a typical day in the life of a Froedtert nurse. But all seem to agree, Froedtert presents one of the most challenging – and fulfilling – nursing environments around. Here's what some of our current nurses say about the nursing experience at Froedtert Hospital.
Laurel, RN, Intensive Care Unit
"Because we're a tertiary-level hospital, we get some extremely complex cases – the sickest patients. However, we have so much expertise here, I feel we're always prepared. Even if there are aspects of a patient's case we're unfamiliar with we don't consider it a problem, because there is always an opportunity for collaboration. If I have a question, I can call in a physician, a pharmacist, an occupational therapist – whomever I might need. That means the patient benefits by getting more integrated care. It's good for me, too – I benefit professionally by staying on top of my practice."
Deb, RN, Surgery/Telemetry Inpatient Unit
"Interacting with my patients and getting to know their families is the best part of my day. Once in awhile, you can see you're making a real difference – what you do has a direct impact on a patient's progress. For instance, I've been caring for a woman with serious, ongoing health complications. I've seen her on good days and on bad days. I've gotten to know her family. They've been through a great deal, but they exhibit a lot of strength. I'm often moved and inspired by their courage. I also have a chance to see the compassion of doctors and therapists who are working with this patient. An experience like this reaffirms my faith in the basic goodness of people. It makes me a better nurse and a better person."
Rich, RN, BSN, Intensive Care Unit
"Working in a teaching hospital offers the best opportunity to stay in touch with the changes that go on in critical care. Initially what attracted me to Froedtert Hospital was the 7/70 scheduling. Working a week and then knowing that at the end of the week you were going to have seven days off. I think it's very unique. Most of the nurses will take care of the same patient for the duration of their work schedule. We work straight shifts here. There's no rotating from days to nights, and I think that lends itself to a work-life balance. The opportunities for staff development here are really second to none. There's a real collaboration between all of the hospital staff. Everybody really feels a part of the team. People are happy to be here. You can really sense that when you walk around the hospital. This is the environment that I wanted to be a part of."
Barb, RN, OCN, Blood and Marrow Transplant Inpatient Unit
"I think nursing in general has changed in that the nurse has become much more important in directing patient care. I like the fact that we're in an academic medical center environment. We see things here at Froedtert that you don’t see in other institutions because of our specialty areas. We get to work with some excellent physicians and a lot of other great nurses, and I think that's important. We learn from each other. You never stop learning here."
Gail, RN, BS, Rehabilitation
"We have access to all the technology and research, and teaching and education that's available. We're one of the top hospitals in the nation. We work Monday through Sunday 10 hours a day. So you're seven days on and then seven days off. When a nurse is interested in coming into a hospital to work as an RN, you want to come into the best hospital that you can possibly get into, and this is it."