"I had the opportunity last summer to take care of wounded soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan at Walter Reed Army Medical Center  (WRAMC), in Washington, DC.  This opportunity was made available through the R.O.T.C. program at Illinois State University.  There were eight cadets from all over the United States; put together to learn about the true meaning of Army nursing.  There was no limit to the tasks that we, as students, could perform.  We were placed in various parts of the hospital and performed various tasks and held many titles.  I was mainly in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) where I acted as a staff nurse as well as a mentor for the LPN students.  I presented a power-point on bloodbourne pathogens and needlestick prevention to the staff as well as to high ranking officers.  I was also Charge nurse for a week, which was challenging yet rewarding.  My favorite part of the internship was unloading the soldiers from helicopters and explaining to them that they were safe and in good hands.  The Army flew in a few family members from each soldier's family; this was truly the most challenging part of my day.  The internship not only challenged my nursing skills, but it took me to the edge.  When our job was done at the end of the day, all students could relate to the feeling that "this is why I am becoming an Army nurse". 

Cadet LTC Salas will graduate from IWU this year, and will continue her military service at her first choice assignment:  Walter Reed Army Medical Center.