NAHS parent Elizabeth McDonald followed family members and joined the medical field. Nursing can be a high-stress job, especially during a global pandemic.

Q: What’s your favorite part of nursing? 

A: I really enjoy helping others.

Q: What inspired you to become a nurse?

A: I have a lot of family that is in the medical field. My dad is a paramedic, my great grandmother was an LPN. I’d say it’s in our blood.

Q: When did you know you wanted to be a nurse?

A: When I was a little kid. I always wanted to be a nurse, it just took me a while to get there. I had some obstacles in my way. It’s never too late to go back to school and make your dreams happen.

Q: What’s the biggest challenge you face on the job?

A: I think it’s more of people not caring. I can only do so much to help you. You have to take steps to help you as well.

Q: What are misunderstandings people  may have about nurses?

A: I work night shift, so everyone thinks that’s easy because ‘everyone sleeps’ but that’s rarely the case. A lot of crazy stuff happens to nurses, especially at night.

Q: What is the biggest takeaway from being an RN?

A: I got to meet a lot of people who are different from me. I have taken care of people that come from many different places, even a holocaust survivor. But at the end of the day, everyone needs to be treated with kindness. Meet people who are different from you and listen to their story.