Brandon Wilde Nurse Featured in Medical Professionals Augusta

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What or who inspired you to go into nursing?

Wanting to take care of my mother one day and having an understanding about what was going on with her health. When my dad was sick, I had no idea what the doctors were talking about. I relied heavily on a good friend who is a nurse to help me through that time. I never wanted to feel that clueless again.

How long have you been a nurse?

I graduated in May 2020 and took the NCLEX on July 28, 2020.

How long have you been at Brandon Wilde?

I’ve been at Brandon Wilde since April 6th of this year.

Have you always worked in your current setting?

My first job was in the OR at Doctor’s Hospital. But, geriatrics has always been my passion. In college, I volunteered with hospice and knew that one day I would like to work with the elderly. Brandon Wilde has afforded me the opportunity to do so in a beautiful atmosphere where it is obvious that they genuinely care for their residents.

What are some of your primary responsibilities?

• Assessing the health and well-being of our residents.
• Communicating and working alongside the clinical care team to ensure our residents receive the best care possible.
• Taking care of the wants and needs of our residents, as well as their families.
• Carrying out therapies prescribed by the healthcare team.
• Delegating responsibilities and ensuring safe, quality care is being delivered.
• Educating patients and their families about the plan of care.

What are some of the challenges of your job?

It is a fast-paced environment with a lot of responsibility, so effectively managing time and always being ready for the unex- pected is a must.

What do you feel your greatest skill is as a nurse?

People skills. People often refer to me as being “bubbly” at work. It is amaz- ing how a smile and a positive attitude can change a person’s outlook when things don’t seem too bright. Showing respect and kindness to every resident is important to me. I think it makes a huge difference in their stay when they feel valued and understood.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Being a part of the rehabilitation process for our rehab residents is amazing. Knowing that we helped a person go from not being able to walk or do very much to walking out of the facility on their own is priceless.

Also, I enjoy caring for our long-term residents. It’s truly like having an extended family. We form heart-felt connections and genuinely care about them. When I go into work each day, it’s like they’re allowing me into their homes. It’s a gift and an honor to care for the elderly. They’ve earned it.

What do you find most rewarding about your job?

It’s the best feeling to hear someone ask, “Are you working tomorrow?” Or, “I missed you on your day off.” When I got to work today, there was an unexpected gift left for me from the family of a discharged resident. While gifts are not necessary at all, it is an amazing feeling to know that I made a difference in someone’s time at Brandon Wilde.

What has being a nurse taught you?

Little things make a big difference.

If you had not chosen nursing as a career, what other profession do you think you may have chosen?

Probably something in customer service.

What advice would you share with someone thinking of entering the nursing field?

Nursing school is just the beginning. It gave me a great foundation, but I learn something new every day. And everyone can teach me something valuable, no mat- ter their title or position.

And to someone who is in nursing school… Suit up and show up, no matter what! Everything will work out.

Do you have any hobbies you enjoy?

I love going out to eat! I’m guilty of taking too many pictures of my food at restaurants. I also love trying new experiences
with friends.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Ordering multiple items from each section of the menu when going to a restaurant for the first time. It’s like a mini buffet where we get to try a little bit of everything. Sometimes it can get pricey, but worth experience and memories.

Where do you like spending free time?

On my days off, I’m either hanging out with my daughter, Olivia, or tubing down the Savannah River with my bestie.

What music are you currently into?

At home, I’m usually listening to Amazon’s 50 Most Played on Alexa. But, ‘90s Hip-Hop and R&B and Classic Rock are always welcome in my car.

How can we keep up with you?

I’m only on Facebook right now. Victoria Nathanson Martin