Hannah Pottorf

13 January 2017

I have chosen to become a registered nurse because I want to make an impact on the lives of those who are

most vulnerable. I want to be the inspiration that someone needs to get through whatever they have been dealt with.

Whether that is helping them to get well or being there for them in their last moments of life. A few of my

characteristics that I believe will help me achieve this goal include past and current experiences in healthcare, both

as a healthcare provider and as a patient. Having a chronic illness is what led me to this passion. The one thing I

remember when I look back on my many hospital visits, tests, etc. was the nurses who were by my side, helping me

through it all, and making the worst times of my life just a little more bearable. My experience as a healthcare

provider, working directly under nurses as a state tested nursing assistant, will help me in this field because of the

direct care I give and the endless learning opportunities that it provides. Showing empathy through my own

experiences and utilizing critical thinking skills are other essential characteristics that I believe all great nurses have.

Due to the pandemic, there have been many unprecedented challenges in healthcare from the way care is provided to

the way we protect ourselves on the job and so on. Not only has this helped shape me into a better care provider, but

it has also taught me a lot. The power of communication and isolation -to name a few. I was admitted to the hospital

that was 4 hours away from home for 2 weeks, unable to have visitors due to isolation precautions and due to how

far away from home I was. While it drove me crazy to be in a room stuck with my mom for 2 weeks, I do not know

what I would have done if I was alone. So, to be able to be that person of comfort for my patients who are unable to

have visitors due to the pandemic, or other distinct reasons, has been a huge value to me. Whether it is sitting at the

bedside holding an anxious patient's hand, helping facilitate a phone or video call to their family, making extra

efforts to check in on those who need it most, and being genuine in the care I provide, are ways I can make a

difference and become a great nurse.