experiences you have every day. For me, it’s the technology, getting to work alongside the surgical team, and helping patients and their families on their journey.”
“I see so much. Every day there’s something new and different…and that’s what makes it fascinating. There are so many different types of surgical procedures across a wide variety of specialties, from neurosurgery to general surgery, orthopedics, plastic surgery, cardiothoracic surgery and many more,” Murdock adds. These diverse experiences have fueled her passion for nursing.
Making a Real Difference
Because nurses spend so much time with their patients, the impact they have is often immeasurable. Murdock recalls a poignant moment with a patient who asked her to pray for them before surgery, a testament to the deep connection nurses can forge.
“She was so nervous and…she asked me to pray for her and we started to pray, and we finished, and we held hands and she looked at me in the eye and said OK I’m ready now. It was like a relief came over her. Those are the moments that you never forget,” Murdock recalls.
A Profession Grounded in Continuous Learning and Innovation
Nursing is a field that encourages lifelong learning.
“When you become a nurse, that’s a commitment. Florence Nightingale said that we must always continue to learn, and what we learn translates into better patient care,” Murdock says. “Nurses have skills, knowledge, and an innate ability to identify challenges in healthcare and create solutions to solve for them – they are innovators at heart.”
“Continuing education is also required to keep your nursing license in most states. Staying abreast of evidence-based practice ensures that you are providing the best care possible. Being involved in your professional nursing organization allows you to network and learn from the top nurses in your specialty,” she notes. The learning never stops!
Murdock’s Advice for Aspiring Nurses
Murdock offers advice for aspiring nurses:
- Be Patient with Yourself: Nursing is a demanding profession with a learning curve, so be patient as you enter the profession.
- Seek Mentors: Having a mentor is a must. They can share their learned experiences and help you navigate the complexities of nursing.
- Commit to Lifelong Learning: Nursing offers a multitude of paths to explore. After obtaining your nursing degree, keep your eyes and options open to how far and in which direction you want to go. Continuously seek opportunities to learn and grow in your field.
Nursing isn’t just a career; it’s a calling that offers boundless opportunities for those willing to embrace it. Murdock’s journey from the banking industry to nursing illustrates that nursing can be a fulfilling and impactful career choice, even for those who didn’t initially envision it. The ability to make a real difference in patients’ lives and communities and contribute to healthcare innovation is what makes nursing truly interesting and rewarding.
To learn more about a career in nursing, go to nursing.jnj.com.
Sponsored by Johnson & Johnson