First impressions of a new nursing grad
For Courtney Sastaunik, her first few shifts as a new nurse were years in the making. Now that they’re done, she is excited about the newest health-care phase of her career.
After 14 years as a Registered Massage Therapist, Courtney knew it was time for a pivot. The work was starting to wear on her body and she was ready for her next challenge. In 2011, she dipped her toes back into education – taking one class a semester towards a degree. Then in 2019 she immersed herself, enrolling full time in the Registered Nursing (RN) program in Regina.
She was still running her massage business at first; then during the last two years of her degree program, she became a mother. Life got busier as she started raising two babies. This was a challenge, she said, that will prepare her to tackle anything to come in the future.
Recently, Courtney accepted a nursing position in Regina on the family medicine unit at Pasqua Hospital. It’s a great place to learn due to the diversity of patients and the care they need.
Speaking of her transition from school to work, Courtney said: “This first while has been overwhelming, to say the least. The transition from school to being an RN is a big and tough one, but my co-workers and manager on my unit have made it so much better. This unit is so supportive and continues to remind me that I know more than I think and that I am right on track to being a competent nurse.”
