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NURSE SPOTLIGHT

Josephine Salunga, R.N.
Proud to be a HCCA Nurse

After graduation with a nursing degree in the Philippines, I worked at the National Kidney Center, a very prestigious tertiary hospital which was a great learning experience. Leaving the Philippines for a wonderful opportunity to earn more money at a job in Saudi Arabia, I was able to work with cardiac cases along with Renal and Liver transplants for eight years.

I was looking for a place to work where I could expand my career with educational opportunities, and see Europe. Honored as one of 13 nurses chosen out of 113 for a nursing opportunity in the UK, I really enjoyed working in the UK because I could work independently and give immediate care.

This is where I learned to take more initiative and to be more confident. I learned to trust my instincts based on knowledge in caring for patients.

I had lots of growth opportunity, coordinating CPR course and chosen for mentorship program to teach new staff and students. My only disappointment was that I was unable to attend a critical care course.

During my time in the UK, I saw an ad for HCCA in the “Nursing Times.” I spoke to the nurse recruiter. I sent in my application and she called me immediately. I was impressed. HCCA help me so much from start to finish. They really guided me and they always gave me what they promised. They processed my paperwork so I could study for the CGFNS and the NCLEX. They kept their word to me so I have an obligation to complete my contact with them. I did not have to pay anything at all. It took about two years for all of the processing and it was worth it.

My first impressions of Nashville, Tennessee where I am working at Baptist Hospital, is that it is small town, quiet and peaceful. The apartment is close to the hospital, amenities, grocery shopping and the school for my son. The prices of commodities are really good here—much cheaper than the UK. You really get a lot for your money. You have to pay for your health insurance which you didn’t have to do in the UK but you don’t have to wait a long time for care here.

I am now working in the Surgical ICU. At first I was quite overwhelmed with the size of the unit. It is 13 beds and the nurse patient ratio is 1:2. I have adapted though and have learned to be quick and thorough. It has been a challenge to learn the computer but the hospital gave us computer classes and they were a big help. The hospital orientation was really good. My mentor was very friendly and very helpful. The whole unit has been friendly and helpful. They answered all my questions especially related to the Pyxis (computerized med system) and the computer. The nursing is the same…it is just the technology that is different. Charting is different but it is so easy to check on things because of the computer. The physicians have been very welcoming and very professional. We follow standard orders in the SICU.

At Baptist Hospital, we deal more with Consultants than we do with Residents as I did in the UK so that is a change. I am starting to feel more confident as I get to know them and it is easier to call them in the middle of the night. They are also open to suggestions.

My motto is that you really need to enjoy your job and I am really enjoying mine at Baptist Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee.

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