Andy Lim is a BSN to PhD student in UNMC’s College of Nursing. He is also a Graduate Research Assistant for Dr. Kristin Dickinson
- Current credentials and degrees: BSN, RN
- Hometown: Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia
- Title and department at UNMC/Nebraska Medicine: Graduate Research Assistant, College of Nursing Omaha Division
- Twitter handle: @andrewlmc
Research/professional interests: I am currently studying cancer care in the LGBT+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender+) population. My current projects involve looking at cancer screening in this population especially among men who have sex with men (MSM), gay men, and bisexual men. I am focused on HPV screening and vaccination efforts in this population as there are a lot of conflicting evidence and recommendations while we see a rise in anorectal, oral, and throat cancers in this group of people. My hope is to be able to formulate educational programs and cancer prevention efforts for both HCPs and community members in order to reduce HPV-associated cancers.
Why I chose a PhD in nursing: Although I like direct patient care, my passion has always been in research as I am a naturally curious person. I realized I spent a lot of time during clinical practice looking up protocols, information, and evidence that could strengthen the rationale of the chosen interventions in the care plan because I have been told many times that “this is the way we have always done these things”. I was not satisfied with that answer and often found myself questioning and seeking explanations until I understand and could tell my colleagues and others why we do certain things. I also love discussing how nurses could find ways to impact policy and practice at higher levels. I thought a PhD program is just the best fit for me to hone my skills and develop new tools to be able to contribute to the nursing body of knowledge.
What I like about UNMC: My cohorts have been very helpful not only to bounce ideas for our professional and academic purposes but also to grow and learn as moral humans. My mentors and advisors are very attentive and have pushed me out of my comfort zones on top of imparting their wisdom on research in general. The nursing faculty and staff are so approachable and willing to help that it made my transition to the doctorate program a lot less stressful than it would have been. I am able to focus on my academic endeavors while receiving experience in research studies through my graduate assistantship.
Professional memberships: I am a member of the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) and the Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS). I am also an inductee to the National Society of Leadership and Success.
Three things people may not know about me:
- I have another bachelor’s and a master’s degree in business but decided to switch careers into nursing (health care). My mom said “I told you so” when I called her about this decision.
- I worked part time at a dairy plant, making cheese and ice cream at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Needless to say, I have tried every single cheese and ice cream flavors at their dairy store. My favorite? Scarlet and Cream.
- I used to play the harmonica and have won a regional group talent show back in Indonesia.
My strategies in dealing with the pandemic:
- Keep a stock of good-tasting and healthy foods at home (they don’t necessarily have to overlap)
- Find fun exercise videos on YouTube and actually do them (better yet, FaceTime your friends and exercise together)
- Have virtual game nights using technologies such as Zoom or Skype (get the Jackbox party games or virtual table-top games)
- Open the windows, let some sun in, soak in that vitamin D
- Be kind to yourself. This is a difficult time for all of us. Sometimes you need a nap. Don’t feel guilty about it.