Patricia Nilsen, RMR, CRR, CRC, CRI, is a highly accomplished freelance court reporter from Nashville, Tenn. Known for her incredible achievements in both national and international steno competitions, Nilsen has proven her dedication and skill over the years. As a member of the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA), she continues to push boundaries while also serving as an inspiration to others in the profession. Below, Nilsen shares her insights on her recent victories, her approach to competition, and what keeps her motivated.
JCR | Achieving such success in consecutive years is no small task. Do you think these wins have changed your approach to your work or your perspective on your career?
PN | Not really. The technical aspect of the job itself has always been a lot like a game to me, almost like a video game where I hear the words and try to shoot them with my fingers, as funny as it sounds. There are times during the day where I have no idea what’s actually being said because I’m laser-focused on getting the testimony as close to realtime perfect as possible. One of the things that I love about this career is that there is always room to improve. I’ve had a couple of days with zero untrans in my career, but that doesn’t happen naturally without actually mindfully trying. The great thing about it is that playing these little mind games with myself results in less editing time, so there are actual tangible payoffs! But having a contest to test out these games I’m already playing and try my skills against other highly talented individuals has been the ultimate challenge.
JCR | You’ve now claimed victories in the NCRA Speed, NCRA Realtime, and Intersteno Speed and Realtime contests. What does it mean to you to have excelled in all of these contests? Is there one that stands out as the most challenging or rewarding?
PN | Getting the realtime at both Intersteno and at NCRA was the highlight for me. I’ve actually never even medaled overall for realtime. At Intersteno I usually hang around 4th or 5th for realtime. The Koreans generally do really well at realtime as well, so you don’t know your competition! I’ve always been able to disassociate and change my mindset when it comes to speed. With speed, I will drop whatever punctuation is necessary and focus on getting every word. I also close my eyes. … But during the literary realtime (the really hard one), I misstroked something that translated as (paragraph) ”A. Yes.” I knew I had to delete that one …. So I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and tried a new approach in the Realtime Contests, and it paid off for me.
JCR | Winning four major titles in a row is an extraordinary achievement. How do you stay sharp and motivated to continue performing at such a high level year after year?
PN | Really just mindful writing on a daily basis. I do actual speed practice in the months leading up to the contests. I’ve decided to keep up with a practice routine post-contests, even though I’m going to take a break from competing, because now I can focus on a different type of practice, working on more practical techniques like continuing to shorten my writing, but practicing that at lower speeds to solidify them and make them a habit.
JCR | How does competing on the world stage with Intersteno compare to the NCRA contests? Are there different challenges you face in each?
PN | Jet lag is a challenge! This was not my first Intersteno. When I went in 2019, I got there on a Saturday, and the contest was Monday morning. Physiologically my body was definitely not at its peak performance level, and I knew it. This time I decided that I would vacation somewhere close by (Croatia) for a full week before the contest just so I was fully acclimated to the time change. … I feel like NCRA is more about stamina, but Intersteno is an actual sprint to the finish line.
JCR | When you’re not practicing or competing, what do you enjoy doing for fun? How do you unwind after such intense competitions?
PN | I have my hand in a lot of different creative endeavors. I love to travel, and then photographing and making books out of my travels is one of my favorite pastimes …. And football season is coming up, which I think of as the most wonderful time of the year. Go Bills!
JCR | What does NCRA membership mean to you, and how has it influenced your career?
PN | I enjoy picking up my JCR every month and reading it cover to cover, and I have since I was a student 30 years ago. I love attending the [NCRA Conference & Expo] every year. … This year the conversations lasted much longer, and I feel like I made stronger connections.
Patricia’s journey is a testament to the value of continuous improvement, and her commitment to excellence is a source of inspiration for all NCRA members. Her thoughts remind us that membership in the NCRA is more than just access to resources; it’s about being part of a dynamic and supportive community that encourages each of us to reach new heights.
Read more about Nilsen’s win in the Speed and Realtime contests.
Patricia Nilsen, RMR, CRR, CRC, CRI, is a freelance court reporter based in Nashville, Tenn. and can be reached at patricianilsencrr@gmail.com.
