MANS Newsletter EditorKristie Kovacs Howard Community College
When I was a little girl, I remember holding my mother's hand as we went into the PACU to be introduced to her coworkers. They stood around me smiling, and asked, "Are you going to be a nurse like your mommy when you grow up?" I don't remember if I answered yes or no back then, but if they asked me today I would say that I cannot imagine a different career choice. Going into college, I was uncertain of what career path to take. I knew that I enjoyed science, communication, psychology, sociology and that I am able to deal with people of all sorts in difficult situations. I didn't know yet, but all of these things can be found in nursing. I began working as a Clerical Associate in a Surgical Intensive Care in 2002 to get a better look at Nursing as a profession. I liked what I saw, so I began applying to various nursing programs, and got my CNA certification so I could begin to work with patients. I took a job as a Clinical Technician in the Surgical Intermediate Care, which provided me with excellent experience to develop nursing skills. I continued to work as a tech while I earned my B.A. in Psychology from UMBC in 2004. Discouraged at still being unaccepted to any nursing programs, I decided to see what other options are out there in healthcare. In 2005, I took a professional position in the field of Clinical Research working as a Research Subjects Specialist for one of the five Institutional Review Boards that approves Clinical Research protocols at my institution. However, as soon as I left the clinical arena for this office job, I realized that I finally confirmed where I belong. My place is working with patients, where my passion for nursing can be fueled and shared with others. I was finally accepted to the Evening/Weekend Nursing program at Howard Community College in Columbia, MD for Fall 2006. During my first year of nursing school, I participated as much as possible in the HCC Student Nurses Association. I became very interested in the issues affecting nurses today, and wanted to learn more. After attending the MANS conference in January 2007, I wanted to do something to help make positive changes to the profession of Nursing. I decided that a good way to do that would be to become more active in the professional organizations that stand for us as nursing students--NSNA and MANS. Now, going into my second and final year of nursing school, I am honored to act as your MANS Newsletter Chair, and I encourage all of you to get involved. I am amazed and excited everyday when I think about the possibilities that we all have--both as students and as the future of Nursing. Please send me articles, questions and comments on anything you would like to see in upcoming issues of the newsletter, or that you would like communicated to the MANS Board. I welcome your ideas and would like to make an informative and enjoyable read for all! I look forward to working with you this year! Kristie Kovacs, B.A., C.C.R.P. |
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