Nurse Residency Program: Maria Ojeda finds purpose in emergency care

Maria Ojeda is drawn to the human condition and has always wanted to have a positive impact on others. If she hadn't chosen nursing, she likely would have pursued sociology because of its focus on human behavior and interactions.

As a registered nurse for Reid Health's Emergency Services, she has the best of both worlds — a way to study people while also providing hands-on care and making a difference in their lives.

Ojeda is also part of Reid's inaugural Nurse Residency Program, a yearlong initiative designed to support new graduates as they transition into the clinical practice. She's one of 20 members in the program's inaugural cohort.

The Union County, Ohio, resident is a graduate of Mississinawa Valley High School. A first-generation college student, Ojeda found a good fit at Indiana University East. The campus' proximity allowed her to work at Reid's Emergency Department as a Student Nurse Tech (SNT), gaining experience while completing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

Her SNT experience guided her choice once she began looking for a job and passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Reid had a position open for an ER nurse, so she applied.

Ojeda plans to continue working in the ER where she feels she has a positive impact and learns something new every day.

"We see some really intense situations, and being part of a team that changes the outcome of someone's life is really mind-blowing, but it's also very fulfilling," Ojeda said.

Ojeda knew when graduating from college she wanted to be part of a health system that offered a nurse residency program. Joining a residency program was ideal because she was excited about the future but nervous about the unknown, she said.

"But knowing some of my nursing school classmates would also be part of it made things less nerve-wracking. I've heard about the struggles of being a new nurse, so I thought, why not join a program that would help make the transition easier," Ojeda said.

The Nurse Residency has provided Ojeda with a network of peers who share similar experiences, as well as mentors who are approachable and understanding.

"Everyone just creates a positive environment where we can share our wins and losses or our struggles," Ojeda said.

"Our mentors and leadership have made themselves very approachable so it's nice that we can reach out to them with any concerns. They're there to listen. They're all nurses too, so they know. They understand."

Being part of the Nurse Residency has helped her to feel supported. While experienced nurses in her department have been helpful, the program ensures she's surrounded by peers who understand exactly what she's going through and has increased her confidence in her skills.

As part of the Reid team, Ojeda feels welcome.

"I interviewed at several hospitals during nursing school, but the culture at Reid is just different," she said. "People smile and say hello in the hallways. It's an environment where I feel confident and supported."

Even on difficult days, Ojeda finds motivation in knowing she's part of a team that prioritizes patient care.

"Emergency medicine is often life or death, but even when it's not, we're always working to create better patient outcomes," she said. "Even if I have a tough shift, I come back knowing I can do better next time."

Outside of work, Ojeda finds support in her family and fiancé, Andrew. Her parents, Francisco and Marieli, and her siblings, Ingrid and Francisco Jr., have been her biggest cheerleaders. She also recently welcomed a new puppy, a Yorkie mix named Benny, who she's been busy training in her off time.

"My family and fiancé are my biggest support system," she said. "My dad has always made sure I have everything I need. Having people who listen, who encourage me, it makes all the difference.

"I'm grateful to be in and helping. I can look around and see how blessed I am every day. A lot of that is having my loved ones and they motivate me."

Ojeda was drawn to Reid Health for the chance to gain hands-on experience as an SNT and a future career, but she has found more than she expected.

"The culture has kept me at Reid," Ojeda said. "I kept seeing myself thriving as a new nurse here, and so far, I've had a great experience."

About Reid Health's Nurse Residency Program
Reid Health joined the Vizient and American Association of Colleges of Nursing (Vizient/AACN) Nurse Residency Program™ to ease the transition of newly graduated nurses to clinical practice. The program promotes quality, safety, and reduces turnover rates for first-year nurses.

For more information on Reid Health's Nurse Residency Program, call (765) 983-3000 ext. 4548. Information on nursing careers and Reid Health is available at reidhealth.org.