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Dominique Wu
RN to BS in Nursing
CUNY SPS Nursing Pulse got a chance to sit down recently with student Dominique Wu. In this Q&A, we explore her journey, inspired by personal experiences, resilience, and a deep dedication to patient care. Dominique’s career aspirations were sparked by the compassion she witnessed in the nurses who cared for her sister, a bond that fueled her desire to join the nursing profession. Throughout her studies, she reflects on impactful patient interactions and the importance of empathy in healthcare. Balancing academic demands with personal life, she has discovered the essential role of self-care and support networks. Her aspirations, including specializing in cardiac nursing and advancing healthcare through research, are underscored by a commitment to mental health advocacy and public health education. With a clear view of the evolving healthcare landscape, Dominique envisions a future where technology and human touch integrate seamlessly in nursing. Her journey is guided by mentorship, personal growth, and a vision for a compassionate, informed healthcare profession.
What inspired you to pursue a career in nursing?
My late sister was often in and out of hospitals as a child due to a serious burn injury, and later as an adult due to cancer. The kindness and professionalism of the nurses who helped my sister made a lasting impression in my memory. I wanted to be like them.
Can you share a memorable experience or patient interaction during your clinical rotations?
I remember the smiles of satisfied patients when I talked to them and explained the reason for certain procedures. There is usually little time left after medication administration, daily assessments, and documentation. Patients sometimes feel vulnerable, anxious, and lonely. An extra smile, a soft tone of voice, and gentle handling during dressing changes can make a big difference for patients. I remember feeling empowered when I could convey kindness and empathy at different moments in a day while complying with the institutional policy, HIPPA, the scope of nursing, nursing ethics, and nurse-patient ratio.
How do you balance the academic demands of the nursing program with your personal life?
I like to do something unrelated to nursing when I take breaks from studying, such as cooking, exercising, and meditation. Assigning ‘free hours’ to spend quality time with family or hobbies is also fun.
What specialty within nursing are you most interested in and why?
I would love to work in a cardiac unit at a hospital. Everything about the heart fascinates me: its anatomy and surrounding structures; the way it beats and pumps blood; the effect of heart diseases on lungs, kidneys, and many bodily functions.
How has your perspective on healthcare evolved since starting your nursing education?
My perspective of healthcare has definitely evolved since starting my nursing education, especially after the pandemic. The mental health crisis in the country has reached an alarming state. The U.S. spends more money on health care than other high-income countries with a worsening outcome. (The Commonwealth Fund, 2023). The rate of multiple chronic illness and obesity in the U.S. are among the highest of other developed countries. Improving patient education, public health education, accessibility of mental health care and preventative healthcare will play a big role in building a healthier population.
What challenges have you faced in your academic programs, and how did you overcome them?
I juggled nursing school, caretaking of my late sister, and my family of four, which consisted of two teenagers. I prayed and leaned on my faith. I solved one problem at a time and believed in myself.
Can you share a piece of advice for incoming nursing students?
Prioritize self-care and self-awareness. Maintain physical and mental health.
How do you see nursing as a profession involving in the next 5-10 years?
With a sicker and older population, I see an increased need for nurses who are competent in medical- surgical, rehabilitative, and acute care. With the increasing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), I think there will be more discussions and debates about how nursing can benefit from AI without compromising the safety and confidentiality of patients.
Have there been any specific mentors who have had a significant impact on your journey?
One of my professors said, ‘Taking a walk. Breathe. Give your brain some room to settle and reflect. The understanding will come to you.” Interestingly, walking and thinking is also the late Steve Jobs’ favorite activity. This advice helped me get through nursing school.
What are your long-term career goals after graduation?
I would like to possess advanced skills as a nurse, earn a PhD in Nursing, and conduct nursing research.
Reference:
The Commonwealth Fund. (2023, January 31). U.S. health care from a global perspective, 2022: accelerating spending, worsening outcomes. https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/issue-briefs/2023/jan/us-health-care-global-perspective-2022