Lauren McCurdy on Fighting Fire with Compassion

The University staff play an integral role in running the machine that is higher education. One such staff member whose resilience and dedication to advising students through their nursing education journey is Lauren McCurdy.

In this Q&A, McCurdy is refreshingly transparent about the difficulties and rewards of helping students navigate their path in nursing.

What is your role at the UofL School of Nursing? 

L.M. I am a Senior Academic Counselor working with the MEPN, MSN Leadership, RN-BSN, and Concurrent Enrollment programs. 
 

If you could describe your experience working at the School of Nursing in three words, what would they be and why? 

L.M. Trial By Fire? Steep Learning Curve? I began my position in fall 2018, so I had made it through one full calendar year prior to the pandemic. We’ve had to cope and adjust along the way, but I have learned so much about nursing, higher education, advising, and more. It was a lot to learn. Advising and nursing are worlds I was not familiar with prior to this role. With years of experience now under my belt, I've become acquainted with the needs of my students and how best to advise them.
 

Pick one aspect of your role that you believe impacts the UofL community the most. What is it and why? 

L.M. Student advocacy. Being in a student-facing advisor role offers constant reminders of the barriers and roadblocks our students face. If I can help my students navigate those barriers, then I know my work is having its intended impact. This field is demanding, and our students are working hard to get their degree, balancing school, work, and personal responsibilities. 

I am often the first contact for many students. I help them figure out how to navigate their academic career. Higher education is full of moving parts, and this can be confusing to someone who doesn’t know the process. I aim to be a source of trustworthy information with my students so they feel comfortable coming back to me when they have questions. It's hard to ask for help, but everyone needs a break. I feel it's my job to listen and to try to help them make sense of all the noise.
 

What is one unique thing you have learned while working at the School of Nursing that you believe will stick with you throughout your career? 

L.M. I will take away many things from this position. First, an incredible respect for nurses and nurse educators and the significance of what they do.

Second, the value of having a balanced team with complementary strengths. Being in this role, there have been many opportunities to learn, and I've learned a lot about how I best work in a professional environment. Everyone has something different to contribute, and teams work best when everyone is able to bring their strengths to the table.

Third, the importance of healthy boundaries around work and life balance. It's important to recognize the early signs of burnout and make adjustments quickly. My advice is to think of work as one aspect of your life, and having clear boundaries allows you to cultivate the rest of your life outside of work. 
 

Outside of your professional responsibilities, what are some hobbies or interests that help you unwind and stay balanced? 

L.M. I love spending time with people I love, my cats, British police procedural shows, ponies in sweaters, snacking, and laughing. I am looking to get back into jogging, painting, and crafty things this year.