Keynote

Shivani Amin Q&A

What’s one specific experience at Dominican that changed how you practice as a nurse today?

At Dominican, the patient simulation scenarios really changed how I see nursing. I was so focused on doing everything “right” that I almost missed subtle signs my patient was getting worse. During the debrief with my instructors, it finally clicked that nursing isn’t just about tasks, it’s about truly noticing and thinking ahead. Since then, I’ve been more intentional about trusting my instincts, paying attention to small changes, and speaking up early to advocate for my patients.

What research did you work on at Dominican, and what did it teach you about patient care or outcomes?

During my senior year at Dominican, my capstone research project focused on the impact of self-care on anxiety in Asian American breast cancer patients. Through this research, I learned how cultural factors influence how patients experience and express anxiety, as well as their willingness to seek support. It reinforced the importance of culturally sensitive care and incorporating self-care strategies, such as meditation and arts and crafts, into treatment plans to help reduce anxiety and improve patient outcomes. 

When you’re on the floor of the hospital now, how do you actually use what you learned about research or evidence-based practice?

On the floor, I use what I learned about research and evidence-based practice by being more intentional with my care. Instead of just following routines, I think about why we’re doing something and if it’s supported by evidence. I incorporate simple strategies like meditation or calming activities such as arts and crafts when patients show signs of anxiety. Working in pediatrics, I also focus a lot on play therapy to help children cope with fear and stress, since research shows it can improve their overall experience and outcomes. Overall, it’s made me more thoughtful, proactive, and focused on providing care that’s both evidence-based and tailored to each patient.

Tell us about a time you worked with a vulnerable or underserved population- what did you learn that changed how you see patients?

One meaningful experience for me was doing clinicals in Marin County during COVID, where I helped with testing and vaccine clinics. We saw a really diverse group of patients, many who were anxious, unsure, or had limited access to reliable information. It taught me how important it is to stay calm, communicate clearly, and meet people where they are. I learned that even small things, like explaining the vaccine in simple terms or just reassuring someone who was nervous, can make a big difference in trust and outcomes.

What was the hardest part of going from student to new grad nurse, and what helped you get through it?

The hardest part of transitioning from student to new grad nurse was learning to feel confident making decisions on my own. As a student, I always had someone double-checking me, but as a new nurse, I had to start trusting my own clinical judgment while still managing a full workload. What helped me get through it was leaning on my preceptors and asking questions early instead of waiting until I felt unsure. I also reminded myself that it’s okay not to know everything right away.  Over time, gaining experience and reflecting after shifts really helped me build confidence and feel more grounded in my practice. 

Now that you’re teaching students, what do you notice they struggle with most, and what do you wish they would focus on more?

What I notice most when working with students is that they often feel rushed and focus on getting through tasks quickly, which can make it harder to fully connect with patients. What I really try to emphasize is being present and using active listening, actually hearing what the patient is saying instead of just listening to respond or move on to the next thing. When you slow down, make eye contact, and truly engage, you pick up on details you might otherwise miss and build a lot more trust with patients. It’s a small shift, but it makes a big difference in but it makes a big difference in both patient care and outcomes. 

What do you wish someone had told you before your first day as a nurse?

I wish someone had told me that it’s normal not to feel fully confident on your first day as a nurse. I went in thinking I needed to already have everything figured out, but in reality, learning happens on the job every single day. I also wish I had known that it’s okay to slow down, ask questions, and not rush through tasks just to keep up. The priority is always patient safety and being present, not trying to prove you already know everything