Dave Dovell

My name is Dave Dovell, RN, and I write "The New RN" blog and am the author of "Brand New Nurse: Surviving Your First Day on the Job." I currently work as a registered nurse on a progressive care unit and treat a wide variety of patients. I also have emergency medical experience including time as an EMT Crew Chief within a 911 system plus a few years as an ER tech in a busy city emergency room. Through my healthcare career, I have been fortunate to receive a Daisy Award for Exceptional Patient Care, Star of the Month, the Guardian Angel Award, and a CPR Save Commendation. When I'm not at the bedside, I serve as cochair for my hospital's Transformational Leadership Council, chair of my unit's Shared Governance committee, and a member of the Code Blue committee. I have an extensive background outside of the medical field as well, ranging from teaching history and special education to management and culinary. I draw on my experiences each time I go to work to benefit my patients and colleagues as well as bring a unique background and set of skills to the profession. I didn't always know I wanted to be a nurse. I was working as the executive chef of a country club when my best friend got sick. He was my roommate and like the brother I never had. He spent 13 months in the hospital battling leukemia and, during that time, I paid attention to his nurses. They weren't just wiping butts and passing out pills...they were titrating his medications, explaining lab values and procedures, and supporting him in all ways through his battle. I was so inspired that, just a few days after he passed, I left my career in restaurants behind and signed up for nursing school. I've never looked back.