Alumni Voices: Graduate Nursing

Curious about what our Alumni are up to? Now we will share their stories and advice! Check this blog often for updates as we feature stories from our Graduate alumni. Whether you're anxious about life after nursing school, what to expect in your professional career, wondering about careers in the nursing field or anything else, stay tuned for updates to this blog for loads of insight!

Kirstie's Voice: "Be relentless. Have courage. Be honest. Be open. Be humble. Challenges will come. Stay calm and have patience!"








Kirstie Toussaint, Graduate of the Nursing Administration program at NYUCurrent position: Clinical Transformation Manager, North Shore LIJ Lenox HillDescribe your current position in the field of nursing:  In my role I coordinate all of the Collaborative Care Councils and I also teach and re-enforce the principles of TeamSTEPPS. Collaborative Care Councils are similar to shared governance but interdisciplinary. The councils are unit, department, and discipline based. I attend the council meetings and, through dialogue, promote and support cultural change. Council members work on projects that improve patient experience, promote healthy workplaces, and improve efficiency as well as quality.

What is the most rewarding part of the position? In my role I work across all disciplines and departments. This gives me a very unique perspective and allows me to gain a better understanding of the work that takes places outside of the department of nursing. I also enjoy attending the council meetings. It provides many opportunities to discuss topics such as patient and family centered care, scope of practice, teamwork, and to broaden their horizons by helping them see the NSLIJ vision of a better future.  What advice would you give current students who are close to graduation in order to prepare for the workforce?  

• Never stop learning – read! Read journals, books, newspapers, anything you can get your hands on and in every field, not just nursing. If you come across something interesting, take notes and save them. 

• Keep your eyes open for and make a list of the people who inspire you. What draws you to them? How did they get where they are now? When you feel discouraged, pull your lists and notes out and read them. 

• Remind yourself of where you are headed. Never think you have the answers. Listen to others with your heart, your mind, your soul, and both ears. 

What, if anything, do you wish you had known before obtaining your current position? Nothing! I was well prepared for my role. First and foremost I knew that nothing in life would come easy, that I had to work hard for everything. I’m grateful for my experiences. I feel that my life has unfolded exactly the way it should.Final thoughts:  It’s hard to pinpoint one or two, but overall the need for true transformational leadership at all levels has never been clearer. When it exists and the council is successful, it’s a very good feeling.