Nicole Lexer ’07
Tell us about your current position:
I am a Registered Professional Nurse at Strong Memorial Hospital. I have served in a variety of roles within the hospital since I graduated from SUNY Brockport in 2007. Currently, I serve in a leadership role as the senior team member of the Wound and Ostomy Nursing Consult service. My 10-member clinical nursing team is available to the entire inpatient population at the hospital on a consult basis.
Clinically, I provide consultation for acutely ill patients with wounds, which includes applying evidence-based principles to a variety of wound etiologies. I also provide consultation for patients with newly created fecal and urinary stomas, focusing on self-care teaching as well as caregiver teaching. This role enables the professional, specialty-certified nurse to autonomously create the treatment plan for wound and ostomy care, following evidence-based principles.
A large part of my role is also spent acting as a professional resource for wound and ostomy care knowledge and skills for experienced nurses and new nurse residents, both in the traditional classroom setting and at the bedside. As the senior team member, I also act as a clinical resource as well as a nursing leader to the members of my team.
Were there any professors, mentors, or courses that had an impact on you?
The nursing program at SUNY Brockport was challenging academically. My most challenging course was Critical Care Nursing, and I feel it prepared me for a future as a critical thinker and provided me with the foundation for a future in the acute care setting.
Did you take part in any extracurricular activities, internships, or campus organizations?
I worked in the Nursing Lab as a work-study student. This position helped foster a positive relationship with nursing professors in the lab setting. I also worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at the Lakeside Beikirch Long Term Care Center on the weekends. This job is what inspired my love of and dedication to skin care and a love of working with elderly patients.
Were there any “aha” moments during your time at Brockport?
Academically, I recall struggling with Anatomy and Physiology, taught in a large lecture hall, specifically learning about the structure and function of the renal system. I utilized the learning center tutor program that was available, which was extremely helpful and allowed me to be successful in that course.
If you had to attribute your success to one thing at Brockport, what would it be?
The dedication required to be successful in the Nursing Program provided me with the skills and knowledge required to become a professional nurse. Success as a nursing student at Brockport provided me with the confidence to eventually pursue professional certifications as well as my Master’s Degree in Nursing Education.
What advice would you give to current students?
For students planning to pursue nursing as a profession, realize that you are embarking on a journey of lifelong learning; never be satisfied with the answer of, “This is how we’ve always done something.” Question the status quo. Your inquiry may have the ability to make a meaningful impact on individuals, families, and others beyond your own sphere of influence.