D024 Phase 1 Video Reflection
Student Name
Western Governors University
D024 Professional Presence and Influence
Prof. Name
Date
D024 Professional Presence and Influence Phase 1 Video Reflection
Introduction and Background
My name is Kayla LaBrie. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Husson University in 2012. Pursuing a Master’s degree has been a long-term aspiration of mine, and with my children becoming more independent, I believe this is the perfect moment to continue my education before growing my family further. This step feels both timely and necessary for my professional and personal development.
What are your current professional roles?
I am employed full-time as a Med-Surg charge nurse and preceptor at a critical access hospital in Maine. Alongside this, I work per diem at a nursing home, act as a clinical instructor for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) at the local high school, and serve as a corrections nurse at the county jail. My charge nurse responsibilities require me to be highly visible and engaged in the department, carefully managing staff assignments and prioritizing patient care.
How would you describe your leadership style and approach?
I believe I am an effective leader because I consistently maintain a positive attitude and calm demeanor, even in stressful or high-pressure situations. I strongly value leading by example, especially by demonstrating compassion, empathy, and solid clinical skills. This leadership style fosters trust and respect among nursing staff and promotes a cooperative and supportive work environment.
Are you involved in any mentorship programs?
Yes, I actively participate in my hospital’s mentorship program, which pairs new nurses with experienced mentors for one year. The program includes weekly communication via email or text, monthly face-to-face meetings that last approximately one hour, and a year-end celebration dinner for all mentors and mentees. Since the program started four years ago, it has garnered consistently positive feedback for the support it provides to new nurses.
What are your goals for pursuing a Master’s degree?
My main goal in pursuing a Master’s degree in Nursing Education is to expand my teaching role beyond instructing high school CNA students and move into university-level nursing education. Although I work at a critical access hospital, we place a strong emphasis on thorough training and support for new nurses. Every new hire completes three months of one-on-one Med-Surg training, with an additional nine months of individualized training for those transitioning to the Emergency Department.
What kind of professional support network do you have?
I am fortunate to collaborate with many nurses who hold Master’s degrees, including several graduates from Western Governors University (WGU). Most of these MSN-prepared nurses, along with many BSN-level nurses, are active members of the American Nurses Association (ANA). This professional community offers substantial support as I embark on this next stage of my educational journey.
Closing reflections
I am genuinely excited about the opportunity to further my education and enhance my skills. I look forward to interacting with peers and faculty throughout this program, and I wish everyone success in their own professional paths.
Summary Table of Kayla LaBrie’s Professional Profile and Goals
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Husson University, 2012 |
| Current Roles | – Full-time Med-Surg charge nurse and preceptor- Per diem nursing home nurse- CNA clinical instructor- Corrections nurse |
| Leadership Approach | Positive attitude, calm demeanor; leads by example through compassion and clinical expertise |
| Mentorship Program | One-year mentorship pairing; weekly check-ins; monthly meetings; year-end celebration |
| Training Provided | 3 months one-on-one Med-Surg training; 9 months additional training for Emergency Department |
| Master’s Degree Goal | To teach nursing at both high school and university levels |
| Professional Network | MSN-level colleagues, members of the American Nurses Association, supportive nursing community |
References
American Nurses Association. (n.d.). About ANA. https://www.nursingworld.org/ana/
Husson University. (n.d.). Nursing Programs. https://www.husson.edu/academics/nursing/
D024 Phase 1 Video Reflection
Western Governors University. (n.d.). Nursing Degrees. https://www.wgu.edu/online-nursing-degrees.html