Scott Schaffer, J.D., M.S.N., NP-C, is a 2016 graduate of GW's Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner program. We recently caught up with Scott to learn more about his nursing journey; how COVID-19 impacted his work as an advanced practice clinician at UnitedHealth Group in Albuquerque, New Mexico; and what advice he has for future nurses.
Q
What inspired you
to pursue nursing?
A
I had previously had a successful career practicing healthcare law, and then went into academia. I was 54 years old and decided I wanted to go to medical school. My wife pointed out that I would be an old man before I paid off all of that debt. She had just become a nurse practitioner and convinced me that I should do the same since I wanted to practice in a primary care setting.
Q
Why did you
choose GW?
A
Simply put, the M.S.N./FNP program was well ranked and had a good reputation.
Q
Describe a memorable experience from your time at GW.
a
When in the FNP program, my elderly and frail father and my in-laws were living with us and my wife and I were working full time. There were many times during the three years that I was in the program that we spent nights in the ER or the hospital with one of them. The faculty were supportive and accommodated me as best they could. Without their support and encouragement, I would have never been able to make it through the program.
Q
What do you find challenging about nursing and how do you overcome it?
A
It's the enormity of the responsibility that we have as nurse practitioners. We make decisions that can have enormous consequences for our patients. I try to listen as best as I can to my patients, stay up-to-date, and ask when I don't know. I also hike, bike, golf and play pickleball as an outlet.
Q
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, how has your perspective on the power of nursing been altered?
a
I was assigned to see patients by telehealth through the early part of the pandemic. I also volunteer as a first responder and train EMTs, so I spent a lot of time responding to COVID calls as an EMT, and provided training to first responders on how to work with COVID patients as safely as possible. I have friends and colleagues who work in the ER, on hospital floors and ICUs and in primary care. All I can say is that I am in awe of all of them and their fortitude and resilience. The pandemic seems to have given the public a newfound appreciation of nurses. I can only hope that this translates into better working conditions for them.
Q
What is your advice
for future nurses?
a
Get the best training you can, in school and after. Don't expect to know it all when you first start practicing and don't be afraid to ask questions when you don't know. And know your boundaries and take care of yourself. If you don't take care of yourself and burn out, you will be ineffective as a nurse and as a person.