Amanda Thoennes, '23, has begun her career working in an outpatient primary care clinic, Stout Street Health Center. The clinic serves individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness, as well as those who are underinsured. She shares her experiences at Catholic University here.
Briefly describe your responsibilities.
"The mission of the Coalition is to work collaboratively with an integrated healthcare team in order to serve individuals with acute and chronic health conditions. As a registered nurse, I practice my clinical judgment by tending to individual's wound care needs. This can be anywhere from venous stasis ulcers, diabetic ulcers, burns, frostbite, etc. I give lots of injections for various reasons including but not limited to vaccines, antipsych meds, and STD treatment. I utilize my therapeutic communication and motivational interviewing skills to help patients with nutrition/lifestyle education."
How did your Conway School and Catholic University education help you find this career path?
"I found this position though Campus Ministry and the Long-term service fair. Emmjolee and Harrison, who both worked in the Campus Ministry office, encouraged me to look into a year of volunteer work as a nurse. Volunteer work has been a huge part of my nursing education and my time at Catholic."
What activities were you involved in during undergrad?
"I was involved with Habitat for Humanity participating in various spring break trips around the country. I was also an E-Board member. I volunteered at Bethlehem house which is an organization that works with adults who have intellectual disabilities. I volunteered with Ronald McDonald house, and I also worked with individuals living on the streets of D.C. through the homeless food run program."
What were some highlights of your time at Catholic University?
"I really enjoyed all the volunteer work I did throughout my time at Catholic. Learning about the social justice issues that surround Washington, D.C. as well as being a part of something bigger taught me so much about myself and about why I want to be a nurse. I enjoyed being a student leader for multiple organizations and being a role model for underclassmen. I also loved being able to apply my nursing knowledge to the different populations I was working with both in and out of the clinical setting."
What advice do you have for students during their job search?
"Follow your heart. Don't be afraid to do something different, even if others disagree with your choices. There are so many paths an RN can take and so many unique opportunities to use your education and your love of helping people."