Name:
Aaron HoardPosition:
Full-time anesthesia studentGraduation Year:
2003Hometown:
Delphi, Indiana
Why did you become a nurse?
I desired to be a flight nurse after an experience I had involving a flight crew. While working as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) on the Tippecanoe Emergency Ambulance Service at Home Hospital, I witnessed the emergency department staff caring for a critically ill person. Due to their facility being at maximum census they felt the patient would be better served at another facility. To assist in critical care management during transport, a helicopter was requested. I remember the flight crew arriving and assuming care with assertiveness, confidence, and humility. Watching the flight crew work I thought to myself, “This is what I will do someday.”
Why did you choose to attend St. Elizabeth School of Nursing?
I chose St. Elizabeth School of Nursing for several reasons. One reason is that they offered a diploma curriculum that allowed for more clinical time and experience. A second is that their class size allowed for a personable experience in which the students and instructors worked together as a team. Thirdly, I had worked with nurses that had been prepared by St. Elizabeth School of Nursing and respected their ability to aptly perform in field.
What is your best memory from nursing school?
My best memory from nursing school involved an instructor, Mrs. Judy Lanoue. As silly as it may sound, I was having difficulty with the formulation and application of something as simple as a nursing diagnosis. This led to my academics suffering and the feeling of defeat. Knowing that future classes would be even more difficult, I was having second thoughts about my career choice. Mrs. Lanoue compassionately took the extra time to help me and was determined to see me succeed. I remember her saying, “You were meant to do this and I am not letting you quit!” If it were not for Judy, I believe I wouldn’t have finished nursing school. Having a person believe in me made all of the difference and I am thankful for her.
What advice would you give to new nurses?
- Always ask why.
- Remember, nursing is a profession not a job. Don’t just clock-in and clock-out. Your patients are more important than that.
How did St. Elizabeth School of Nursing prepare you for your career?
The considerable amount of diverse clinical experience I gained from the St. Elizabeth School of Nursing prepared me to provide better care for my patients immediately upon graduation.
What was your first job in the field after you completed your degree?
I began my nursing career at Methodist Hospital Emergency Medicine and Trauma Center as a student nurse extern and then after graduating, continued my tenure there as a registered nurse. Following that experience, I served as a Flight Nurse for St. Vincent StatFlight based in Anderson, Indiana. Stepping down in 2017, I left my love for air medicine to pursue a career in anesthesia as a full-time student.
What do you like most about your current job?
Anesthesia school is expectedly difficult, however I am enjoying the education, the friends I have made and the advancement in my career. I have no regret and there is no doubt that I have joined the correct profession, nursing, which has made this a reality.
What is the toughest part of being a nurse?
I think one of the toughest parts of being a nurse is learning how to manage the impact on one’s self as it relates to every aspect of every patient, every decision and every outcome you encounter.
How do you see yourself and your nursing practice through the lens of the school’s mission of preparing nurses to continue christ’s healing ministry
I believe that faith without works is dead and caring for others is Christ working through me. It is because of Him that I am.
What do you do when you are not at work?
When not at school, I enjoy spending time with my family, friends and the outdoors.
