Nicole Edwards ’23
Tell us about your current position:
I am currently working as a bedside nurse in the Intensive Nursing Care Unit (INCU) at Unity Hospital. The unit is focused on caring for patients with extensive nursing needs. Some of these needs include extensive cardiac monitoring, wound care, blood transfusions, high-alert medication administration, and managing compromised, complicated patients. The unit operates as a step-down unit, caring for the patients who are too unstable to be placed on a regular unit and are not deemed critical enough to be placed in the ICU. Nurse-to-patient ratios are decreased due to patient acuity and extensive care needs.
Were there any professors, mentors, or courses that had an impact on you?
Many instructors have had a significant impact on my personal and professional growth. I continue to be inspired by their dedication to the student body and nursing profession. Dr. Kathleen Petersen, Dr. Karilee Bingham, Professor Jen Chesebro, Professor Janie Dennis, and Professor Tammy Farnham worked tirelessly to provide the knowledge, support, and resources necessary to enter the field and be a competent and compassionate nurse. They have set a standard of excellence. I am forever grateful for these women. They lead by example and make a difference every day. Their gentle guidance has been an integral part of my nursing journey.
Did you take part in any extracurricular activities, internships, or campus organizations?
I joined the Omicron Beta Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau and now serve as president of the Brockport Chapter. Sigma Theta Tau is an international honor society of nurses that focuses on leadership, education, and transforming healthcare around the globe. I also sat on the Strategic Planning Committee and Community Advisory Committee while a student. I was able to participate in an additional Capstone experience to guide me. I was able to tutor other nursing students before graduation. It was important for me to help support other students the way I have been supported by our outstanding faculty.
I also had the amazing opportunity to be a guest speaker on “Connections with Evan Dawson” to discuss some of the challenges facing the nursing profession currently. These experiences collectively helped me understand the importance of high standards and leadership in nursing. I still recall being encouraged by Dr. Petersen to “have a seat at the table.” We must be present, willing to participate, and have a voice if we hope for change in our healthcare system and seek better outcomes for our communities.
Were there any “aha” moments during your time at Brockport?
Many of my “aha” moments actually came outside of the classroom. There were and still are so many experiences, situations, and interactions that transpired in clinicals and later when working as a nurse. There have been countless times I have recalled the words of wisdom, guidance, encouragement, and valuable lessons imparted that continue to guide my nursing practice today.
If you had to attribute your success to one thing at Brockport, what would it be?
I attribute the dedication to students and tremendous support from the nursing faculty to my success. They take the time to get to know their students and meet them where they are. They give them the tools they need to succeed. They create an environment in which their students can thrive. They have made such an immense impact that I hope to work with students in the future.
What advice would you give to current students?
I would encourage students to explore their resources, be proactive, and embrace opportunities that allow for personal and professional growth. Internships, job fairs, clubs, and community events are all environments to learn and make connections. I would encourage students to “have a seat at the table” in the wise words of Dr. Kathleen Petersen.