LCDR Fredora “Toni” McRae, NC, USN Nurse Corps Fellow Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (202) Answering the call to Serve…..!

A little about me…………… My road to becoming a Navy Nurse! Maximizing prior experience Embracing training & job opportunities Seeking mentors and emulating great leaders

The Face of Military Medicine Supports Maritime Strategic Imperatives through application of Navy core capability HCA Mission Opportunities and Benefits –Improved worldwide response capability –NGO, Inter-Agency and Partner Nation collaboration –Joint Force and Reserve integration –Demonstrable measures of effectiveness –Opportunity to positively impact global perception of US –Expanded training and experience for all participants –Avenue for improved recruiting and retention of healthcare providers Civil Service Contract Nursing

The future of Navy Nurse Corps Operational mission requirements GWOT and Humanitarian TRICARE Warrior Care Casualty Care – field, evacuation and tertiary MTFs Chronic care – Rehabilitation / Psychiatric / Mental Health Jointness Tri-Service (VA) cooperation and collaboration Walter Reed National Military Medical Center- interoperable and integrated

Civil service, contract, and reserve nurses serve as the backbone of professional nursing in our military treatment facilities Beneficiary Care Readiness Spectrum of Care Civilian and Navy Nurses

Navy Medicine Global Support SpainItaly (2) Guam

Being a Navy Nurse - First Tour Military Treatment Facility (MTF) Internship / Extensive Clinical Orientation Staff Nurse Inpatient ward Rotating shifts Collateral Duty May have opportunity to deploy

Orientation - Transition You will feel overwhelmed Do not act like you know everything Take advantage of learning opportunities Learn how to take constructive criticism Learn to team lead - corpstaff K now their scope - strength/weaknesses Great resource technical skills, but you teach them “why” Look out for them – mentor / lead Fraternization

Words of wisdom for a “new” Navy Nurse…. Focus on Clinical Proficiency and providing Quality Care Volunteer wisely for Collateral Duty Embrace opportunity….. always prepare to take the next step - show breadth of skills…cross- training, diversify assignments and responsibilities – team leader, shift charge nurse Choose a mentor(s) Take care of yourself and your colleagues

“C”s to Success Clinical Command / Community Commissioned Officer Communication Contribution Care

Clinical Constantly improve your clinical skills; Ask questions Take the toughest patients, challenge yourself Never stop learning and always be teaching. Search for your clinical niche / your professional passion – seek different clinical experiences Am I the best nurse I can be? This defines you as a Nurse!

Command / Community Every nurse is a recruiter Every nurse is a retention officer – active/reserve Be positive – attitude is everything! Value differences in people – learn from them Develop your subordinates / peers This defines you as a Community member!

Commissioned Officer Wear your uniform correctly and with pride and hold others accountable to the same Extend the proper military courtesies Even out of uniform you represent the Navy Maintain your physical readiness and fitness Honor, Courage, Commitment, Integrity This defines you as a Military Officer!

Communication Communication is vertical - up and down the chain of command Communication is horizontal - your peers and comrades Communicate well and often Use multiple forms – personal, phone, Collaborate and Cooperate, share information LISTEN This defines you as a Team Player!

Contribution Set personal and professional goals Demonstrate initiative Always finish the job /task – follow-up and follow through Attention to detail Plan and prioritize Leave workspace a better place This defines you as a Professional!

CARE Your patients – patient and family centered care Your subordinates – mentor and assist Your peers – comrade and friend Your boss – communicate and support Yourself – maintain a balanced life This defines you as a Leader!

Performance = Success Clinical – Professional Expertise – 33. Command – Command Climate / EO – 34. Commissioned Officer–Military Bearing– 35. Communication – Teamwork – 36. Contribution – Mission Accomplishment and Initiative – 37. Care – Leadership – 38.

A Second Assignment….. Should I stay or should I go? Reflect on why you joined the Navy. Ask ODS comrades about their experiences. Ask your supervisor / mentor why they stayed? Seek professional guidance / make appointment Reflect on your professional / personal goals – how best to achieve them. Prepare to call the detailer

Your Second Assignment….. Opportunities HPLRP – Health Professions Loan Repayment Program DUINS – Duty Under Instruction RN-ISP – Incentive Special Pay

There is a difference between being a nurse in the Navy and being a Navy Nurse!

Questions?