Due to the sensitive nature of Zalei Lewis’ work, the photo above is a stock image.
Where do you consider your hometown?
Wisconsin is my home. I get recognized as a UW–Madison alumna or a UW nurse. I get greetings in every state I’ve traveled to or worked as a psych nurse because of the quality of Wisconsin grads.
Where are you now, and how are you using your BSN degree?
I work in regulation and investigation for the State of Minnesota. I go to health care facilities and investigate things that happen to patients. I read charts, interview patients and their families, interview staff, go on site, and look at all aspects surrounding what led to a problem. I then report findings and tag for violations of law as indicated.
I work with vulnerable adults, the majority are psychiatric patients. I worked with that population as a floor nurse and I have a passion for it.
What about the BSN@Home program appealed to you? What was your journey to getting your degree?
I had always wanted to graduate from UW–Madison, but it took me a while to achieve that dream. I started attending UW online, then transferred to UW–Madison in 2005.
But I have two special needs kids, and I was unable to attend UW in 2006-2007, in order to get my youngest the best treatment. I moved to South Dakoka, where I completed my ADN at the University of South Dakota.
I’m passionate about psychiatric care and care for the disabled, and during this time, I worked as a floor psychiatric nurse. Eventually, I moved back to Wisconsin and was able to complete my BSN in 2021.
What was the most valuable experience during your nursing education? Why?
Studying with Dr. Andrew Lokuta. I use his anatomy class daily. I learned more about quality care and evidence-based practices from his classes than from anyone else.
What’s the most rewarding part of being a nurse?
I get to help psychiatric patients get great care through laws. I get to meet all kinds of providers and patients. I can just listen to a story, and it means the world to patients. I meet nurses trying to provide great care and help them evolve.
What’s the biggest challenge facing nurses today?
We don’t get paid what the professionals we help get paid. They don’t always listen to nurses. We are punching bags sometimes. You have to fight hard for clients and do what’s right for them. You may never get a thank you. It makes a huge difference when you do, but it may just come in a smile or nod. All the great nurses I’ve met are usually better in some ways than doctors–from interventions to knowing all things that are available.
Do it despite your pay. It’s such a great honor to be the one who truly helps patients and other nurses.
What advice would you give to individuals considering completing their BSN?
Do it for your patients. We need great nurses. It means everything to vulnerable adults in every sphere.
What about getting a BSN helps you to become a better nurse?
My BSN developed my knowledge in writing and specific care and administration of care and floor basics. I learned more about nursing history and evidence-based practice that I continue to follow.
What advice would you give to recent alumni?
Try thinking about what it’s like to be a patient. Little things mean so much. Just trying matters.
Be nice to disabled patients, psych clients, and incarcerated patients. We never know the trauma that makes people act how they do. If you listen, they try to help you help them. Read the statues and laws too.
Go for your passion and never forget you are the patient’s advocate; they may have no one else. You are the hope for your patients.