WNA has so many incredible members making a lasting impression in nursing. We think it’s about time that everyone else knows about our incredible members, too. That is why we have a Member Spotlight series on our website. This is the space to showcase your talent. Tell us about your remarkable research, your touching stories, the obstacles you’ve overcome. Show us—and the world—what it really means to be a Wisconsin Nurse. Fill out your form to be spotlighted! WNA Member Spotlight Questionnaire
For our next member spotlight, we have Nicole Faulkner from the WNA Board of Directors. 
What is your name (and credentials)?
Nicole Faulkner, RN (will have BSN in December!)
What have been your roles at WNA / how long have you been a member?
I have been a member of the WNA for three years. I was on the Board of Directors as Director-At-Large for 2014. I currently am on the board as Director-At-Large for the 2016 year as well. I am also the WNA representative to the ANA. I am on the Mentorship committee, Healthy Nurse Task Force, and WIN PAC. In the past I was the WNA’s representative to help the ANA launch their new grad starter kit, which is now in full swing. I have been on the Surviving Your First Year nursing panel. I also make sure to e-mail my state representatives to bring attention to a state or federal policy that may affect nursing.
Where do you work?
I work at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare- All Saints.
What is your job title?
I am a Registered Nurse.
What do you do in your job?
I work in endoscopy so I assist in procedures and do both outpatient and inpatient care. I collect data for the department as well. This is for more comprehensive care and better outcome assessment.
Tell us a story from your job (or a past one).
When I had first started working in endoscopy, I wasn’t sure if it was the right fit for me. One evening I was working with one particular patient all the way through recovery. She was having an endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) due to abdominal pain that others had brushed off. In recovery she received the news that the doctor had found her cause of pain. When the doctor left, she started crying tears of joy because this pain had finally been given a name. I sat with her as she cried and let her get everything off of her chest. That was the moment I knew this department was special and that I was meant to be there.
What do you do in your free time?
I love to read! I especially love reading mystery novels. I also love spending time with my family. I have three children so they can be a handful but I wouldn’t give them up for the world.
What are you passionate about?
As obvious as it sounds, I am passionate about nursing! I love being a patient advocate, staying up to date on evidence based practice, and helping nursing students that come on my floor grow and learn.
Brag to us about one thing (or 2, or 5, or 10) you’ve done in your career.
- See my roles in the WNA. I am very proud of them and I try to recruit nurses to join all the time
- I recently flew to Seattle to present a poster that I, along with my co-workers, made from the data that I collected
- I just got back from D.C. as the WNA representative to the ANA
- I am the president of my unit’s practice council and sit on the hospital nursing practice council
What does being a nurse mean to you?
Being a nurse means always growing and learning with the patient in the forefront of my mind. I want to be the ear that listens, the voice that advocates, and the nurse that is always questioning.
