Leah Miller, '19 BSN
Prisma Health Upstate
RN, Neuro Med/Surg
What does it mean to you to be a College of Nursing alumnus?
I'm so proud of being a UofSC alumna! The overall nursing program gave me such a solid
foundation of knowledge and experiences to start my first year of nursing. I feel
that the CON helped set the groundwork to be the best in every aspect of nursing from
assessment skills to patient advocacy.
Were there any faculty and/or campus experiences that helped you with your career
choices and where you are now?
During my first semester of Upper Division, I remember Dr. Priode telling us her experiences
from a Neuro ICU and how interesting and complex all the patient cases were. I took
a personal interest in this type of patient population and worked to strengthen my
understanding of the type of care they receive.
Could you tell us a little about your work and what working in a neuro unit is like?
I currently work on a neuro med/surg floor. We take care of a lot of the patients
that came from the neuro ICU and work on their transition home or to rehab. We typically
see patients with seizure disorders, spinal injuries, brain cancer, Alzheimer's and
dementia, and other neurologic diseases. I oriented on a floor that specializes in
strokes and have been floating to that floor frequently amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
That floor can care for patients with acute strokes who have received tPA as well
as more invasive lines like lumbar drains. I've learned so much about neuroscience
in my first year of nursing, from the brain's vessels to primary interventions for
acute conditions.
What has your experience been like as a nurse during COVID-19?
Being a nurse amid the COVID-19 pandemic has posed its challenges, especially working
with a neuro patient population, many of whom are disoriented. However, I’ve seen
our staff shine by calling families with frequent updates, connecting patients and
families using video calls, finding out the patient’s favorite food and TV shows,
and even bringing coloring books for patients awaiting discharge. With our patients
with Alzheimer’s, familiarity is comforting so we spend a lot of time with these patients
making sure they feel safe. While visitors aren’t currently allowed in the hospital
yet, working hard to build a special connection with these patients and their families
helps bridge that gap.
What advice would you give a current nursing student or new graduate?
Never be afraid to ask questions! There is so much to learn from charting to medicines
and someone is always willing to help you if needed.