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Nurses Day
Supplement to the Tulsa World, Sunday, May 5, 2013
Opportunities To
Those Considering
RN Career
Education
Key Part Of
Nursing Role
tulsaworld.com
Sunday, May 5, 2013
NURSES DAY
NU 2 • TULSA WORLD SUPPLEMENT
Shortage Equals Abundant Opportunities For Nurses
By Stefanie forney
Special Sections Editor
The nursing shortage in the United
States is expected to increase as baby
boomers age, multiplying the need for
healthcare.
A shortage of registered nurses is
projected to spread across the country
through 2030, according to the United
States Registered Nurse Workforce
Report Card and Shortage Forecast
published in the January 2012 issue
of the American Journal of Medical
Quality
Several other factors are contributing to the nursing shortage as well.
“The average age of the registered
nurse is climbing,” said Kathy Tisdale,
recruitment manager with St. John
Health System. “We must position
ourselves to prepare for the workforce
that will be eligible for retirement.
The number of nurses must grow in
proportion to the rising elderly population.”
Tisdale also noted that nursing
schools are putting forth tremendous
efforts to respond to the shortage,
although some are limited on being
able to accept the large number of
qualified applicants due to faculty
shortage, clinical sites, classroom space
and budget constraints.
“There has been a tremendous
response to the shortage in those
interested in entering the career, but
there are waiting lists for acceptance in
some schools,” she said.
ing settings, such as sporting events,
Also exacerbating the shortage is
camps, homeless shelters, prisons and
the fact that recent reforms in healthtourist destinations.
care give more people access to the
“We have five full-time nurses on
healthcare system, requiring more
staff,”
said Brittni Bullard, community
nurses and health professionals to
relations director with Southern Plains
meet the need.
Alzheimer’s Special Care
The nursing shortage
Center. “While we don’t
has led to nurses workhave an abundance
ing long hours under
of nurses, we find it’s
stressful conditions,
harder to find a nurse
which can result in
that is willing to work in
fatigue and job dissatisa community like ours.
faction.
We look for someone
“Nursing is a stresswho is very patient and
ful job, but there are
has a passion for workvery few as rewarding,”
ing with someone with
Tisdale said. “Over the
Alzheimer’s.”
years, we have seen a
Nursing is a great
number of people leave
profession.
Excellent
the profession, but
employment growth
many have returned,
Kathy Tisdale
and a wide range of
simply because they
career
prospects
help make registered
missed it too much. It is amazing to
nursing a top healthcare job.
go home at the end of the day real“It is such a broad education,” said
izing that you have not just made a
Shawna Keith, nurse recruiter for Okladifference for your patient in those
homa State University Medical Center.
few hours you were there with them
but possibly a lifetime, and you will be “You can be an educator, a manager,
a staff nurse, and you can also choose
remembered for it.”
your subspecialty. You can be a mediNursing offers a career that is percal surgical nurse, a labor and delivery
sonally and financially rewarding.
nurse or an ICU or trauma nurse. You
Registered nurses practice in many
can choose the area you want to spehealthcare settings, including hospicialize in and that can change. There is
tals, medical offices, nursing homes,
so much possibility.”
ambulatory care centers, community
Nursing provides opportunities for
health centers, schools and clinics.
They also provide care in some surpris- development and being able to grow
There is power to
be gained through
knowledge. Nursing
involves a specific
knowledge set that
empowers those
who possess it to be
of service to others.
With experience,
nurses become more
empowered and
confident to help. To me,
nursing is the practice
of building on that knowledge base and processing
all knowledge through the filter of compassion and
caring. Nursing is advocating for someone, patient or
family, who may well be experiencing the worst time of
their life. Nurses are on the frontline of treatment and
recovery. Ours is the human touch that comforts. Nursing
is working toward returning a person to the life that
illness has interrupted while maintaining the dignity that
disease diminishes.
It is a challenging and rapid-paced field that
incorporates constant technological changes into
human experiences. Nurses through their actions
support healing for the individual and through caring
demonstrate compassion. They are practitioners,
teachers, healers, advocates, counselors, researchers and
mentors. They are the “go to” person when any problem
arises. Nurses are the foundation of patient care.
Katie
St. John Medical Center
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professionally.
In addition, most nursing positions
now have flexible scheduling to make
it easier for work/home balance. “Most
of our registered nurses work three 12hour shifts,” Keith said. “That allows you
four days off in the week.”
Keith also said that the federal government is providing several incentives
for those who go into the healthcare
programs that are in high demand.
“For instance, they are doing things
like loan forgiveness when you meet
certain criteria such as working with
certain hospitals that take a higher
percentage of indigent patients or
working in a rural setting. One of the
hospitals is offering a nursing scholarship tuition reimbursement program
to offset costs,” she said.
More and more men are entering
the nursing profession.
“That is a new trend, and they make
wonderful nurses,” Tisdale said. “They
are good for the technical side as well
as the caring side.”
The culture of nursing is changing. The emphasis is on nurses at the
bedside being the experts and letting
them direct the changes to patient
care with administration listening to
them as the experts for their patients.
“Nurses are becoming more empowered to change the face of patient
care. That appeals to people who want
to have that voice and opportunity to
make a difference,” Tisdale added.
Initially, I was drawn
to the profession
of nursing because
I wanted a job
that offered more
excitement, and I
wanted to help people.
I soon learned that
being a nurse entails
much more. Every day,
I am given numerous
opportunities to touch
and change lives.
Helping patients in the healing process is so rewarding
to me.
I can remember the first time a patient walked up to
me at a local grocery store and reminded me that I was
her nurse. She gave me a hug and thanked me for the
care I gave her. It was in that moment that I realized
that I have more than just a job. I provide a community
service. I love this profession with all my heart, and I
cannot imagine myself doing anything else.
Emily
OSU Medical Center
To me, nursing is not
just a fulfilling career,
it is a way I can have
a genuine impact on
people every day. It’s
making a connection,
listening and identifying
needs, then respectfully
providing for those
needs. Nursing is about
getting the chance to
help people when they
need compassion the
most.
Dana
OSU Medical Center
When I was interviewed
at St. John Medical Center
years ago as a fairly new
grad, my soon-to-be new
manager asked me that one
very important question,
“Where do you see yourself
in five years?” My original
plan was to get at least two
years of med-surg experience,
then move on to an ICU for
experience before becoming
a flight nurse. That was more
than 18 years ago. I chose to stay in med-surg.
I thought I had a plan, but without any regrets, I chose to
stay where I was. The camaraderie I had with my coworkers
and the learning opportunities and challenges on my floor
were what I needed.
When I hired on at St John Medical Center, most of
the patients on my floor were geriatric. With my own
grandparents no longer around, I felt a bond with this
generation. I wanted my patients to be treated the way I
would have wanted my own grandparents or any other
family member to be treated. And I still feel this way.
After 12 years on med-surg, the population of my patients
changed when I transferred to St. John Owasso to take care
of not only med-surg but also pediatrics and telemetry
patients. My passion to care for others also extends outside
the hospital and into the community. I am involved in
Relay for Life, the annual walk to raise money to help fund
a cure for cancer. I do this as a team member and also local
committee member because several of my family members
have fought cancer, and I would like to see family and friends
win all the time.
Nursing is a journey; it is a life-long path of learning. It’s the
ability to help and comfort others, to make a difference in
someone’s life or to help ease their pain. It is also rewarding,
like the feeling in my heart when a patient can smile or the
smile of relief on a patient’s loved one’s face, showing that
they are pleased with my nursing care.
Dana
St. John Owasso
I am very thankful to work
for a health system that is
guided by such a powerful
mission statement: “To
extend the presence and
healing ministry of Christ in
all we do.”
There’s no way I can read
those words and not strive to
be better every time I put on
my uniform.
I’ve kept a card on my
dresser that a patient gave
me years ago. In just a few lines, she encouraged me to live
boldly, love those around me and be thankful for all I have.
Shortly thereafter, she passed away and although she’s been
gone for more than six years now, I believe her card will
remain on my dresser for the rest of my life. She is just one
of the thousands of lives that enrich mine every day of this
adventure I call nursing.
Even though I’ve always been interested in science, the
real reason I chose my career might be from watching my
mother bobby pin her nursing cap to her hair, put on her
white stockings and don her worn white shoes. When she
pinned her badge on her white dress, I believed she had
magic powers that helped her heal patients. I often wonder
now when I put on my sneakers and navy blue scrubs, if my
children think I possess that magic, as well, and when my
patients’ lives are placed in my care, I pray for it, too.
Anne
The Heart Hospital at Saint Francis
My mother was an
orthopedic nurse. I grew
up watching what she did. I
knew I wanted to go into ICU
nursing, and my first job was
in a local burn center.
I feel nursing in general is
a means of healing. We help
the patients and in return we
get a sense of satisfaction.
The common thread
throughout my career has
been the close relationships
with my co-workers. I have been blessed with co-workers
with a keen sense of humor and most of all they make me
laugh.
Nursing is a rewarding career. You get satisfaction from
watching the patients get well and get back to the game of
life.
Kyle
Cancer Treatment Centers of America
I wanted a career where
I could make a difference. I
enjoy helping people, when
they are sick or scared,
by providing comfort,
compassion and reassurance.
So, nursing seemed like the
best fit.
The cards, handwritten
letters and emails I receive
from my patients and their
family members are all
wonderful. When someone
takes time out of their day to write and say thank you for the
care I provided while in the hospital, it makes me feel good
and very proud.
Nursing is about teaching patients and their family
members how to live a healthy life. Nursing is about meeting
and learning from your patients and co-workers, many of
whom come from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Most of all, nursing is about making those around you feel
better. From providing high-quality care to smiling and
offering a kind word to those around you, nursing is about
making a difference every day. If you are looking for a
fulfilling career focused on others, nursing might be a perfect
fit.
Valsa
Hillcrest Medical Center
Sunday, May 5, 2013
NURSES DAY
TULSA WORLD SUPPLEMENT • NU 3
Our Nurses
Are Superheroes
Everyday, our nurses are changing lives.
Thank you for your commitment to quality healthcare.
Celebrating Nurses Week
May 6 – 12
Hillcrest Medical Center | Hillcrest Hospital South | Hillcrest Hospital Claremore | Hillcrest Hospital Cushing
Hillcrest Hospital Henryetta | Bailey Medical Center | Oklahoma Heart Institute | Utica Park Clinic
Sunday, May 5, 2013
NURSES DAY
NU 4 • TULSA WORLD SUPPLEMENT
Education Integral Part Of A Nurse’s Duties
By Jessica Neal
Special Sections Editor
Inside the compassionate
heart of a nurse is a teacher.
Not only are these professionals helping people in
their time of need, nurses
want their patients to be
able to help themselves
when they return home.
As nurses assist patients
with medication, they are
teaching them proper doses
for home. As they are changing bandages, they are emphasizing the need to keep
the area clean. It’s practically
second nature for them.
Some nurses go a step
further and make teaching a
main part of their job.
Cheryl Coleman is a certified lactation consultant at
Helmerich Women’s Center
at Hillcrest.
“I started my career in
community health nursing,”
Coleman said. “I would teach
group classes on diabetes,
childcare and breast feeding to individuals or even to
families in their homes.”
Now in her 38th year as a
nurse, Coleman specializes in
helping new mothers.
“Folks are only here with
us a short period of time,”
Coleman said. “They have
to take care of themselves
longer than we take care of
them.”
Having a new baby can
be quite intimidating. These
bundles of joy seem so
fragile .
“Sometimes it seems like
parents are afraid of the little
guys,” Coleman said. “Then
they see us tossing them
around. We deal with them
everyday and know how to
handle them easily.”
Coleman wants to help
those parents become the
“experts for their child.”
“We have to pull our
hands back and provide
encouragement so they will
be able to do it,” she said.
She also helps moms
master breast-feeding their
newborns.
“I get to see the joy on
their faces when they realize
they can do it,” she said.
In addition to meeting
one-on-one with patients,
Coleman also leads monthly
pre-natal and weekly support classes. She also fields
many phone calls from
moms who always have one
more question.
“I have a passion for moms
and babies,” said Coleman.
“The whole experience is
life-changing. When you
become a parent, it changes
every relationship with every
person in your life. It’s an
amazing journey.”
Passion is what led Lindsay Rehm to nursing as well.
Both sets of her grandparents dealt with cancer. She
became an oncology nurse
to help those fighting this
dreadful disease. In her nursing career at Cancer Treatment Centers of America,
she noticed patients would
often bring their children
with them in the summer
and on weekends. Cancer is
a difficult word to swallow,
but for children it can be
especially scary.
“When patients get the
news they have cancer, one
of the first things they want
answered is ‘how do I tell my
kids?’” Rehm said. “As a nurse
I want to have the answer. I
want to help.”
To help them, she was
able to bring a program to
the hospital aimed at kids.
CLIMB or Children’s Lives Include Moments of Bravery is
an internationally acclaimed
program from the Children’s
Treehouse Foundation. It’s a
psychosocial program that
helps children process their
feelings when a parent or
grandparent has cancer.
The program at CTCA is for
children 5 to 12 as well as a
special group for teens.
“Children have misconceptions about cancer,” Rehm
said. “Some even think they
might have caused the
cancer.”
Rehm helps empower
the children by letting
them know “you can’t cause
cancer, and you can’t catch
cancer.”
She also shares ways to
help that a child can handle
such as getting a blanket or
a glass of water.
“We encourage the parents to let them do that so
Lindsay Rehm, above,
reads children books
from the CLIMB program
at Cancer Treatment
Centers of America.
Cheryl Coleman, right,
awaits a newborn at Helmerich Women’s Center
at Hillcrest.
the kids can help them,” she
said.
The program is offered
four times a year and individual sessions as needed for
their patients’ children.
“About 2.85 million kids
have parents who have cancer right now,” Rehm said.
“This lets them talk to each
other and lets them see they
are not alone.”
Besides the classes, Rehm
also works with new graduate nurses who are hired to
join the team.
“We have an extensive
six-month oncology orientation,” she said. “We want
them to feel comfortable before working with a patient.
Our patients deserve that.”
Quality nursing care is a
priority for Jim Jackson as
well. As the clinical manager
for surgery at Saint Francis
Hospital, his responsibilities include overseeing the
nurses who work in the operating room. He’s made it a
priority to keep the nurses in
his charge passionate about
their work by constantly
teaching them and helping
them strive to meet their
goals.
“My philosophy is if you
help take care of the people
around you, it’s better for
everyone,” Jackson said.
Jackson has been a nurse
at Saint Francis for 27 years.
Medical technology is constantly advancing. To stay
up-to-date on the latest information, nurses constantly
are learning new things.
Jackson helps nurses learn
skills and identifies those
who are looking to do even
more in their career.
“I give them opportunities
to grow,” he said.
He might give them new
projects or a chance to fill
a vacationing supervisor’s
shoes so they can learn more
about the roles of others. Although informal, this teaching gives nurses the chance
to try something new and
decide where they would
like to take their career.
“It’s an eye opener to
experience other people’s
jobs,” he said. “It also lets
people stretch their wings in
a safe environment.”
In addition to mentoring
nurses, he also helps them
learn to deal with complex
equipment and safety.
“We have a lot of technology toys and a lot of expensive equipment,” he said. “It’s
important to know what you
are doing.”
Nursing is a continuous
learning experience.
“I’m still learning,” he said.
“Even after all these years.”
04_30_13 TUL Nursing ad.pdf
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“Nurses are the
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Jim Jackson prepares for another day of surgery at
Saint Francis Hospital.
Brown Mackie College - Tulsa is proud to recognize
National Nurses Day
In appreciation of their dedication and hard work that has an impact
on so many lives, Brown Mackie College - Tulsa is proud to recognize
National Nurses Day.
We are more than grateful to be a part of the learning process that
helps to fulfill the need for well trained professionals in the healthcare
field; we are committed to delivering the excellence in education that
has been a tradition at Brown Mackie College for over 120 years.
If you are considering becoming a nurse, find out how Brown Mackie
College – Tulsa can support you in reaching your goal.
Call today:
918.628.3700
Visit online:
BrownMackie.edu
4608 South Garnett, Suite 110 • Tulsa, OK 74146
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median debt, federal salary data, alumni success, programmatic accreditation and other important info. Accredited member, ACICS. Lic. OBVPS. Granted
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405.225.9100 www.okhighered.org. Apple, the Apple logo and iPad are trademarks of Apple Inc.,registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Discover the
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ONE COURSE A MONTH SM
Sunday, May 5, 2013
NURSES DAY
TULSA WORLD SUPPLEMENT • NU 5
Congratulations to these nurses who were selected by their managers for their commitment to providing exceptional care.
Back row left to right: Linda, RN, • John, RN, BSN, • Cody, RN, BSN, • Greg, RN, MBA
Front row left to right: Emily, LPN, • Tia, RN, BSN, • Kayla, RN, BSN, • Alexis, RN, BSN, • Amalia, RN, BSN, • Dana, RN, BSN, IBCLC, • Hallee, RN
Caring is more than a calling...it’s a way of life.
Our committed, devoted and loyal nurses elevate
the standards of the nursing profession today
and every day. In celebration of National Nurses
Day 2013, we thank our nurses who have
dedicated their lives to making a difference in
the lives of our patients, our medical center and
our physicians.
For nursing
opportunities,
scan the QR Code:
Nurses, today we celebrate YOU!!
Exceptional health care, Every patient, Everytime.
7 4 4 W E S T 9 T H S T. /
T U L S A , OKLAHOMA 74127 / 918-599-1000
w w w. o s u m c . n e t
NU 6 • TULSA WORLD SUPPLEMENT
It’s hard to believe
my nursing career has
spanned more than 30
years. Those years have
been filled with so many
people, memories and
incredible experiences
that it’s difficult to single
one out. Yet, there is one
memory in particular I
would like to share: A baby
boy had been prematurely
born at 24 weeks. I
remember holding his hand and was absolutely amazed
that his entire hand was so tiny that it only spanned my
pinkie finger — from the nail to the first joint. Two years
later, a beautiful little boy returned for a visit with his
parents. I was so delighted to see that this child, who had
once been so frail and delicate, had developed into a
vibrant and healthy boy. I believe an experience such as
this sums up why nursing is so special and why I wouldn’t
trade what I do for anything.
Patty
Saint Francis Health System - Warren Clinic
I was always interested
in healthcare, and I enjoy
helping others. Nursing
provides me an outlet for
both.
Nursing means being
able to make a difference
in someone’s life, by
showing compassionate
care.
Every day is special for
me. I love my job.
This is my second career.
I would encourage others to become a nurse because not
only will you always have a job, but also you will have a
fulfilling career. I never have been happier than I am now. I
know I’m making a difference every day.
Amie
Cancer Treatment Centers of America
For as long as I can
remember, I knew I
wanted to be a nurse. I just
knew from a young age
that I wanted to provide
comfort to people when
they were hurting and
help them feel better.
Nursing means
providing high-quality
care to your patient when
they are with you. But, it
also means providing the
patient with the knowledge, resources and tools needed
to maintain their highest level of health when they return
home.
Nursing also means supporting your patient when they
are sick, holding their hand when they are grieving and
celebrating with them when they reach their goals.
In addition to working at Oklahoma Heart Institute, I am
a nurse in the U.S. Army Reserves. In 2006, I was mobilized
to Landstuhl, Germany, to care for wounded heroes being
transported off the battlefield. More than once, I had a
solider, with severe injuries and on a ventilator, use sign
language to say “thank you” to me. I will never forget their
gesture of thanks.
Being a nurse means being a part of something
much larger than yourself. It means being part of a team
focused on helping people live longer, healthier and more
enjoyable lives. If you are compassionate, a team player
and willing to go above and beyond to help others, then
nursing might be a great career choice.
Heidi
Oklahoma Heart Institute
I truly enjoy helping
people, which is at the
core of nursing. I’m also
a people person, and
nursing requires the
ability to communicate
and work well with all
types of people. Nursing
is a stimulating and
challenging career that
keeps me energized.
Nursing is about fulfilling
the needs of others and
changing the lives of the patients you touch.
I’ve spent most of my career working in the Emergency
Room and now, in the Cardiac Cath Lab. These are two areas
where you really have the ability to save lives and make
a difference. Over the years, I have had to opportunity to
meet so many interesting people, experience unforgettable
situations and face new challenges. The culmination of my
career creates one cohesive and treasured memory.
If you are looking for the opportunity to meet the needs
of others — both physically and emotionally — by giving
completely of yourself, you will find that your personal
fulfillment needs will be met, if not completely exceeded,
through a career in nursing.
Tommy
Hillcrest Hospital South
NURSES DAY
I didn’t choose nursing,
nursing chose me. I was
looking for a job change
and wanted to get into
a helping profession.
My mom is a nurse and
talked me into looking
at nursing. I fell deeply in
love with the profession.
It’s an honor to be
trusted to care for people
and be able to help them
advance their health and
healing.
No other occupation offers the chance to extend hope
and healing to people. It will use your whole self and it’s
amazing and worth it.
Patrick
Cancer Treatment Centers of America
I grew up in Vietnam,
where my mother worked
as an RN and my aunt as
a midwife at an OB/GYN
clinic. As I observed the
work my mother did, I
quickly realized nursing
was what I wanted to do
too when I grew up. My
family moved to the U.S. in
1975 and five years later,
I received a Bachelor of
Science in Nursing degree.
I’ve been a nurse for 33 years. During that time, I’ve
worked in intensive and cardiac care. My most memorable
patient was a gentleman who spent over six consecutive
months in the hospital, and I helped care for him
throughout that time. In 1992, I joined Cardiology of Tulsa
(now a part of Warren Clinic). I believe the relationship
between a patient and his/her nurse is important, and I
make every effort I can to make patients comfortable, take
away their anxiety and ensure their clinical experience is
the best it can be. The blessing is mine to be someone’s
nurse.
Ho
Saint Francis Health System - Warren Clinic
I grew up in foster care
and moved from family to
family. I was always taken
care of by others, so I
wanted to give back to the
community that raised me.
I worked in the
Emergency Room for
10 years, and those are
years that I cherish. The
ER presents new and
challenging situations
that constantly test you as
a healthcare provider. Knowing that you are able to meet
those challenges and provide high-quality care to help
your patients instills a sense of pride that is unmatched.
Nursing is a career that allows you to give back to your
community while providing great internal fulfillment. If
you are looking for a career that meets your professional
and personal development goals and you have a sincere
desire to help others, nursing is a great career.
Randi
Hillcrest Hospital Henryetta
I thoroughly enjoy
working as a nurse. I find
myself surrounded by
kind and capable coworkers, many of whom I still
consider mentors. Moreover, that OSUMC caters in
no small part to the socioeconomically disenfranchised is a trait that I find
gratifying.
John
OSU Medical Center
Having the opportunity
to work in a variety of
different specialties, I have
special memories of many
different patients. Most
of my special memories
are of oncology patients I
have cared for.
One very special patient,
who lost his battle with
cancer, will always have
a special place in my
heart. I hear from his
wife occasionally via email. When he passed away, she
contacted me to get my home address, because she
wanted to send me the last Christmas card he sent out to
friends and family.
Those are the moments that I cherish. Being able to look
back and know that I have been blessed with so many
opportunities to care for others in need are all special
memories to me.
Amy
St. John Medical Center
Sunday, May 5, 2013
When I was little, I actually
wanted to be a teacher. After
high school, the opportunity
to apply for a LPN program
came about. Call it fate, call it
circumstance, but it was a life
changing decision for me. I
became a teacher but not in
the way I expected at all.
To me nursing is not a
career. It is who I am. It is
something that never leaves
me. When I go to the grocery
store, when I am at home or when it is 2 a.m. I am still a nurse.
I am passionate about meeting the needs of people
and serving as a patient advocate. I recently was a patient
myself, and it humbly reminded me that I need to always be
compassionate and kind. I see patients at their worst. I know
fear is usually involved as well as physical pain or sickness. I
see them when they are about to be told that they are in for
the fight of their life. It is my responsibility to ensure they are
guided and cared for to the best of my ability. I try to care
for them as if it were my own family member, because every
patient belongs to someone.
I have had the honor to work with the same family practice
physician, Dr. Tracy Pyles, for almost 21 years. There have been
many special memories along the way, but what I treasure is
the continuity of care I can provide. I have seen babies born
and “raised” them into adults who are now starting families
of their own. I am with families when they bring new life into
the world, and I am able to mourn with them at life’s end.
Andrea
Utica Park Clinic – Cushing
Nursing is such a rewarding
profession. It takes someone
who has a heart for serving
others. Every day is fast-paced
and a great challenge.
Where else can you get job
satisfaction to know that you
influence people’s lives for
the better on a daily basis?
To me, nursing means to
care for, educate and be an
advocate for both patients
and their families. Nursing, for
me, isn’t just a career but an identity.
Hallee’
OSU Medical Center
To me, the most
meaningful part of nursing
is being there for patients
and their family members
during one of the most
difficult times of their lives.
It means a great deal to be
there to lead and guide them
through the many ups and
downs they face while in
the Intensive Care Unit. My
job involves interpreting lab
values, monitoring trends
and following my gut feelings — all while performing total
patient care. The reward comes from seeing a patient go
from being sick and weak, to gradually getting better — and
knowing I played a part in his or her recovery. I encourage
others to become a nurse because it is such a rewarding
career. Every day I leave work knowing I made a difference
in someone’s life. Some days I can literally say, “I saved
someone’s life today.” And on other days, I know I made
a patient a little bit more comfortable or helped family
members understand a little better what their loved one is
experiencing.
Tonia
Saint Francis Hospital
I have always enjoyed
the medical field. I got my
first degree in hotel and
restaurant management
because I was interested in
food and business. I worked
as a restaurant manager for
about 11 years. It gave me
a wonderful background
in customer service and
working with the public.
When I moved to Austin,
Texas, wanting a change, I
went to work for a hospice company as a receptionist. As part
of my job, I got to attend the weekly staff meeting where
nurses discussed their patients and any particular problems
or issues they had. Listening to them and seeing what a
difference they made in the lives of their patients and the
patients’ families made me decide to go to nursing school.
I was 47-years-old when I made this transition. I was much
more serious about school than I would have been when
I was 20, and I loved every minute of it. As nurses, we have
the ability to touch people’s lives at their most vulnerable
moments. A kind word or small gesture of kindness can make
such a difference.
I also enjoy the challenge of being a nurse. In the
emergency room, we get to see unusual cases, rather than
being specialized; we see a little bit of everything and learn
so much.
Cassie
Jane Phillips Medical Center
Oklahoma Oncology Lecture Series Presents:
“Melanoma/Skin Cancer”
By John L. Eckenrode, M.D.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 6:00 pm
Oklahoma Oncology 2nd floor
11212 E. 48th St., Tulsa OK 74146
*Refreshments provided
RSVP by calling 918-556-7112
H Oklahoma Oncology salutes and thanks our wonderful nursing staff. H
Our expert nursing staff have over 76 years of nursing experience. L to R: Deanna, Eva, Lindsay, Mekaela, and Summer
You can Relax knowing your
loved ones are under expert
Nursing Care 24/7
When the home environment is no longer safe for the person with
dementia, come by for a tour and find out about our Spring Specials.
7210 South Yale Avenue, Tulsa • 918-591-2525
www.jeaseniorliving.com
Sunday, May 5, 2013
NURSES DAY
TULSA WORLD SUPPLEMENT • NU 7
tHanK you
for tHe difference you MaKe
in tHe liVes of our patients
We are constantly inspired by our exceptional
nursing staff. Your devotion to making a difference
2012/2013
in the lives of our patients and their families is a
large part of why for 85 years and counting, we are
northeast Oklahoma’s trusted health partner.
St. John Medical Center is Tulsa’s 2012-2013 National
Research Corporation Consumer Choice Award Winner and
Northeast Oklahoma’s Only Magnet®-recognized Facility
Thank you and happy Nurse Appreciation Week!
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5/2/13 11:30 AM
NU 8 • TULSA WORLD SUPPLEMENT
I have always been a
nurturer and enjoyed
taking care of people.
After a hospitalization,
which led to inpatient
hospice, I was so impacted
by the nurses caring
for my loved one that I
decided I wanted to be
that for other people.
Nursing to me
represents pride,
opportunity, challenge
and success. I can’t imagine doing anything else.
My most pivotal nursing memory is of the morning I
received a text message from my manager. She had gotten
up early to verify that I had passed my boards and she
texted me at 5 a.m. simply saying “You’re a nurse!”
Being a nurse is the most rewarding career, full of variety
and challenge. There are always new things to learn and
you will finish every single day feeling like you helped
someone in some way and that is true fulfillment.
Brandie
Cancer Treatment Centers of America
For me, nursing is
a way to be part of
something bigger than
myself. Working as a part
of a team to benefit our
patients and families is the
most rewarding part of
my job.
I would encourage
others to become a nurse
because there are so many
opportunities to work in
different areas of practice.
There is a wide range of specialties in nursing, and each
one offers its own distinct rewards and challenges.
Rhonda
Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital
The meaning of a nurse
is one who advocates,
cares, is compassionate,
competent and respects
human dignity. Nursing is
an opportunity to make
a positive difference in a
person’s life, whether you
provide emotional support
by holding the hand of a
mother about to give birth
or the hand of a dying
patient. Your focus should
always be about the patient and not the tasks at hand. As
a nurse, you bring hope and support to every patient you
encounter.
Mindi
St. John Medical Center
To me, nursing is being
able to impact patients
and their families on
a daily basis. I became
a nurse because it is
a profession to help
people and gives me an
opportunity to interact
with people.
I have had so many
special memories. I
had a patient who was
deteriorating, making the
patient and his wife very anxious. I talked with them to
help calm them down until a surgeon was available to put
in a chest tube.
I have derived so much self-satisfaction on a daily basis
helping patients in procedures, navigating the system or
getting something special for them.
Carol
Cancer Treatment Centers of America
The reason I decided
to become a nurse is very
plain and simple: I truly
enjoy helping people. I
have been a neonatal/
pediatric nurse for more
than 12 years now. To
me, nursing is not only
about taking care of my
patients but their family
members as well. It is so
fulfilling when a patient
or family member tells
me that because I was their nurse, a stressful and very
trying time in their life was much easier. I encourage
others to consider a nursing career because it is incredible
how many options are available to nurses today. Nursing
enables me to do what I love most. I am able to blend my
nursing career into my own personal life as a mother and
wife.
Wendy
The Children’s Hospital at Saint Francis
I worked in
construction for years,
which was not very stable.
The nursing field offered
incredible stability and
opportunity.
Nursing gave me the
incredible privilege of
taking care of my sister
when she was fighting
ovarian cancer
The nursing field
is wide open, from
education to business and
medical to technology and research. I currently work
with healthcare computer applications.
James
Cancer Treatment Centers of America
NURSES DAY
I was a medical assistant
for years and admired the
nurses I worked with. I
love taking care of people
and cannot imagine doing
anything else.
Nursing means
everything to me: it’s
my career, my life, my
livelihood, my passion, my
craft. I love being a nurse.
It’s never the same day
twice.
When I was in nursing school, I didn’t think I could keep
up the pace I was going at with two small children and
being a military wife. I had a patient who was a retired
nurse; she encouraged me and reaffirmed why I wanted to
be a nurse.
Kathleen
Cancer Treatment Centers of America
Working as an RN in
The Children’s Hospital at
Saint Francis is unique in
that I take care of a wide
variety of patients on any
given day. The reason
why I became a pediatric
nurse is because I have
always loved kids — and
I am really just a kid at
heart. It wasn’t until I
became a parent myself
that I realized what a
monumental gesture it is to come to a hospital such as
Saint Francis and hand over the care of your child — the
person that means the most to you — to a stranger. As
a nurse, I try to always keep that in mind and find ways
to relate to my patients and family members. I also try to
continue to be a comforting presence as well as make the
whole experience seem less scary and intimidating.
Shannon
The Children’s Hospital at Saint Francis
Nursing is an excellent
and exciting career choice.
Even though the road to
becoming a nurse can
be both demanding and
stressful, I believe that the
nursing profession has lots
to offer. You will always be
in demand, and there are
many job opportunities
from which to choose
from. For me, one of the
best reasons to encourage
someone to become a nurse is knowing that you are
helping those around you and making a difference in the
lives of those people you serve.
Cristina
St. John Broken Arrow
I became a nurse
because of my passion
for helping others. I
love being around and
interacting with people.
With my first degree
being in finance, I sat at a
desk all day, having little
interaction with others. I
wanted a career where I
felt that I was making a
difference, so I decided
to go back to school to
become an RN.
I believe becoming a RN was a life changing decision.
I love my job! I get so much joy and satisfaction from
seeing a patient smile or being able to comfort them by
some small task such as giving them a warm blanket or
holding their hand during a procedure. Being an ER nurse,
I get to meet people from many different walks of life and
of all ages. It is definitely a rewarding job.
Kayla
OSU Medical Center
I felt called to be a nurse
from the time I was a very
young child. I remember
visiting hospitals and
admiring the nurses who
gave kind, compassionate
care and thinking “when I
grow up I want to be just
like them.” I was fortunate
to never have a doubt
about my career path
because I always knew God
was calling me to nursing. I
have been a labor and delivery nurse for more than 14 years
now. Each delivery is unique and miraculous. I’m so blessed
to get to share these special moments with families.
Being a nurse is an honor and a privilege. Nursing
encompasses caring for the whole person — mind, body,
and soul. This is accomplished by actively listening to their
needs, concerns and fears, and by providing emotional
support, comfort, prayer and education.
I was caring for a very sweet couple, and we were just
a few minutes away from welcoming their baby into the
world when an unusual, unexpected and unpreventable
situation occurred. With not a second to spare, we had
to work as fast as we could to deliver the baby. Minutes
seemed liked hours as our amazing OB team rushed to
surgically deliver this precious baby. All the while, the
husband, full of fear, was left on his knees praying that God
protect his wife and unborn child. Although she said few
words, I could see the fear in this mother’s eyes, so I grabbed
her hand and quickly prayed aloud that God would protect
and give life to her baby. God heard our prayers. Although
she had a rough start the first few hours of life, she made
a 100 percent miraculous recovery, and today is a happy
joyful child full of love and smiles.
Stacie
Bailey Medical Center
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Nursing is more than
a profession to me; it is a
calling, which comes with a
great obligation to provide
compassionate care to each
and every patient and family
member I encounter. While
attending nursing school at
Oral Roberts University, I had
a discussion with my pastoral
care professor, and ever
etched in my heart were his
words,“Nursing is a ministry.”
Over the years, I have realized it is one of the few jobs
that you have an opportunity every day to demonstrate the
healing nature of Jesus Christ through service and deeds to
others. The profession of nursing provides an opportunity to
care for patients, families and communities through services
that provide physical, mental, emotional and spiritual care. My
desire is to provide each patient and family with the care that
I would expect one of my family members to receive. It is such
a great honor to be a part of a patient’s journey and to assist
them as their advocate, educator and caregiver.
The profession of nursing provides a vast variety of career
opportunities within communities, from bedside nurse,
research, home health, community health and educator, to
name a few. The profession of nursing is ever evolving, but one
thing that remains constant is the requirement of compassion.
For those considering the profession of nursing, I would say,
please don’t seek the profession merely for monetary gains,
but seek the profession for the gratitude you will receive from
the lives you will touch each and every day through your
compassionate care. Have a desire to affect someone’s life
through the care you provide.
In this profession, you may experience challenging days, but
the good days far outweigh the bad. The profession of nursing
is such a rewarding career; I have many special memories from
the opportunities and encounters that I have had with patients
and their families while providing care to them.
Catrice
St. John Medical Center
I was a medic in the Air
Force. Once my service was
over, nursing just seemed
like the best career for me
based on my experience and
interest in healthcare.
Nursing means combining
my knowledge and my
compassion for people to
provide the best possible
care to every patient, every
day.
A patient recently
nominated our entire department for Employee of the Month
at Hillcrest Claremore. It is an honor to work alongside such
amazing individuals every day. Knowing that each person on
our team is as dedicated to the same mission as I am — to
ensure our patients receive the very best care possible — is
a great feeling. And, knowing that our hard work and passion
for what we do is noticed by our patients is what keeps me
going.
I would encourage others to become a nurse only if they
are committed to giving of themselves in all areas. Being a
nurse means being challenged intellectually, emotionally and
physically during every shift. If you are committed to giving
of yourself to benefit others, then nursing is a great career.
Dan
Hillcrest Hospital Claremore
I became a nurse because I
love helping people. I love the
interaction and the teaching
involved with patients and
their care to produce the best
outcome.
I would encourage others
to become a nurse because
it is a very rewarding career.
You face new challenges each
day and have the opportunity
to create a positive outcome.
You have the opportunity to
change lives for the better — even your own.
Alexis
OSU Medical Center
Nursing is an obligation
to service above self and an
opportunity to provide for
others at one of the most
vulnerable times in life.
I became a nurse because
of the drive to stand in the
gap for people who can no
longer stand on their own.
Nursing is an excellent
career with endless
opportunities such as
stability, personal satisfaction
and daily opportunities to impact the lives of others.
Robert
Cancer Treatment Centers of America
Being a nurse means
having the opportunity to be
there for both families and
patients when they need you
the most. Sometimes this
means being an advocate
and providing information on
community resources and a
general plan after discharge.
Sometimes it means just
talking to them about
their pets or grandchildren
because they are nervous
and express this through conversation. For a hospice patient,
this means providing pain and nausea control, as well as any
additional comforts that can make their last days as peaceful
and dignified as possible. Being a nurse is having the ability
to take time to make a difference in someone’s life.
Amber
Saint Francis Hospital
Sunday, May 5, 2013
NURSES DAY
TULSA WORLD SUPPLEMENT • NU 9
Nursing
OPPORTUNITIES
FIND YOUR
OASIS.
Vacation & Travel Guide
Sunday, May 12
in your Tulsa World.
WE’RE HIRING!
We have a broad range of clnical
positions in different outpatient
clinic specialties and locations.
To search and apply, please visit
our website at http://jobs.ou.edu.
Click on “Tulsa positions”
Applications accepted
online only.
OU-Tulsa is an
Equal Opportunity employer
RN CLINICIAN
Dynamite opportunity to be a
part of the Surgery Clinic and
NEW Vascular Procedure Center
for a RN Clinician. The RN Clinician will assess, plan, implement and evaluate nursing care,
provide IV conscious sedation
monitoring pre/post. Requires
Bachelor’s degree in Nursing
and 2 years related experience
in surgical or vascular setting
OR an Associate’s degree in
Nursing plus an additional 24
months of experience
(3 yrs. total).
We offer excellent benefits and
competitive salary. If interested
in joining our team, apply online: http://jobs.ou.edu, search
Tulsa campus listings.
Thank You to our
Nursing Staff!
We appreciate all that you do each year!
Explore The Many Hats Worn By Nurses
Enter a hospital, doctor’s
office, adult care facility or
medical clinic, and you are
bound to encounter nurses.
Nurse is a broad term used
to describe most individuals
who perform patient-based
care in a variety of settings.
A nurse’s duties and title will
vary depending on his or
her educational background
and the certifications and
licenses he or she has
received.
The field of nursing is
seemingly recession-proof.
According to the U.S. Bureau
of Labor Statistics, there are
roughly 2.6 million nurses in
the United States.
No other career choice
within the field of healthcare
can claim such strength in
numbers.
There are many
advantages to becoming
a nurse, including growing
employment opportunities.
Financial gain is to be
had as well. Depending
on the type of nurse, he
or she has the potential to
make anywhere between
$43,000 and $115,000
a year, according to the
Bureau’s Occupational
Employment Statistics
Program. Furthermore,
because of the wide
breadth of nursing services,
there is plenty of room for
specialty application and
advancement.
Here are the common
types of nurses and the type
of education required to
become a nurse.
Nursing Aide/Orderly
Nursing aides and
orderlies help nurses
care for patients and
perform routine tasks.
They spend most of their
time with patients, serving
meals, keeping patients
comfortable, answering call
lights, making beds and
giving baths. Most nursing
aides work in a hospital
setting or long-term facilities
for the elderly. A high school
diploma may be all that’s
needed to become a nursing
aide.
Licensed Practical Nurse
An LPN studies for a
year after earning a high
school diploma and must
be licensed in the state
in which he or she will
work. LPNs typically record
medical histories, weigh and
measure patients, record
symptoms and administer
injections.
Registered Nurse
An RN typically pursues a
two-year associate’s degree
in nursing or may receive
a bachelor’s degree in
the field. RNs must pass a
national exam before they
are licensed. The duties of an
RN are generally more varied
and in-depth than those
of an LPN and can include
helping patients manage
treatment plans.
Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioners are
among the most educated
hospital employees. In
addition to their RN study,
they earn a master’s degree
and may specialize in one
area. Also, NPs may be able
to work outside of the
authority of a physician.
In such instances, an NP
can run a medical practice,
diagnose and prescribe
medication just as a doctor
would.
Although doctors are
often thought of as the
primary care providers in
most healthcare settings,
nurses are growing in
numbers and have taken
on many of the roles once
reserved exclusively for
doctors.
Three-Year Degree Programs
More Men Seeking
Shorten Path To Rewarding Careers
(BPT) — Three-year bachelor’s degree programs are
gaining popularity as many
students look for ways to
enter the workforce faster.
Though these programs are
common in Europe and
Canada, condensed programs
are now attracting greater
interest in the U.S. as students
and education providers realize the unique benefits.
Students might identify
three-year options as a swifter
path to earning a bachelor’s
degree, particularly as the value of a college education rises
in the current marketplace.
The median family income
for those with a bachelor’s
degree or higher was $99,716,
compared with $48,332 for
those with only a high school
diploma, according to “Trends
in College Pricing 2011,” a
report detailing findings from
the College Board’s Annual
Survey of Colleges.
Some leaders in education are exploring three-year
degree programs as a solution
to growing workforce issues.
Many professional fields are
growing faster than students
can acquire the necessary
education to fill the positions,
and three-year degree programs reduce the time it takes
for candidates to graduate
and enter the job market.
The healthcare industry, for
example, is grappling with
a nationwide shortage of
workers in several disciplines,
such as healthcare information technicians and clinical
laboratory technicians, which
U.S. News and World Report
listed among its “25 Best Jobs
in 2012.” Three-year bachelor’s
degree programs are available
for prospective students looking to enter both fields.
Perhaps one of the most
widely acknowledged healthcare worker shortages is
registered nurses (RNs). More
than half of the RN workforce
is close to retirement, according to the American Nurses
Association. This issue is to
become more acute as the
industry responds to the
patient needs of a growing
population of aging baby
boomers and the demands of
a changing healthcare environment. Three-year degree
programs allow graduates to
fill these in demand roles and
launch a career in nursing before their peers in traditional
four-year programs.
“As a Bachelor of Science
in nursing degree becomes
the standard requirement
for many entry-level nursing
positions, a three-year degree
program is an efficient route
to a desired career,” said
Patrick Robinson, dean of undergraduate curriculum and
instruction at Chamberlain
College of Nursing.“A shorter
program can be more intense
with the same curriculum
standards as typical four-year
degree programs. However
for motivated, organized students, the professional reward
can be worth the hard work.”
Recent industry data illustrates that demand is mounting for degree programs with
this structure. According to
the American Association of
Colleges of Nursing, the number of three-year BSN degree
programs increased from 31
to 230 between 1990 and
2010. This trend is expected to
continue as factors contributing to the national nursing
shortage escalate, and the
industry necessitates BSN
degrees.
Nursing Careers
Male nurses haven’t always been such a minority.
Although men comprise only about 6 percent of today’s
total nursing population in the United States, nursing
schools for men were actually quite common and about
half of the nation’s paid nurses were male during the
early 1900s. By 1930, however, the percentage of male
nurses dropped to a meager 1 percent, as men fled the
profession for more lucrative occupations. That was
the case for several decades, until the late 1980s, when
inflation, nursing shortages, a rise in nursing salaries
and shifting attitudes about gender combined to
attract new generations of men to the profession.
Research indicates that men and women enter the
profession for the same reasons. Both men and women
are interested in working with sick and injured people,
and they are seeking careers that offer challenges,
reasonable job security and good salaries. And with
many parts of the United States and other western
nations facing nursing shortages that are expected
to peak in the mid-2020s, when much of the current
generation of nurses will retire, men will have a vital
role to play in filling those gaps. Some researchers have
even predicted that the nation’s ability to handle the
projected shortage of nurses hinges on strong increases
in the number of males entering the profession.
While the number of men in nursing programs is
growing, the public perception of male nurses, which
has unfairly carried a negative connotation through
the years, persists and continues to keep them away
from the field. Many male nurses also recount stories of
patients assuming they are doctors or asking why they
had decided against attending medical school — as
if being a nurse was a fallback position rather than a
first choice. Others note that the scarcity of male role
models, instructors and mentors has made it more
difficult not only to enter the profession but also to
advance their careers.
At the same time, nursing schools and organizations
have launched initiatives aimed at recruiting men, and
these efforts are paying off, albeit slowly. The population
of male nurses is increasing by roughly 2 to 3 percent
each year, and it has been predicted that by 2020,
male nurses will make up about 25 percent of the total
nursing workforce. Another factor that may spur the
increase in male nurses is age. On average, male nurses
tend to enter nursing at a younger age than female
nurses and therefore have the potential for longer
careers.
8291 N. Owasso Expressway
Montereau would like to thank our outstanding
nursing staff who make Montereau a wonderful
place to live and work.
Montereau is currently seeking resident care experts – CNAs,
CMAs, and LPNs. We offer competitive compensation and a
comprehensive benefits package. To apply for these positions,
please visit www.montereau.iapplicants.com. EOE
Check Out Our
Exciting
Employment
Opportunities
Contact Heather:
[email protected]
Tel: 918-425-4000
www.chcareer.com
H O S P I C E
Happy Nurses Day
to all our Nurses!
•RNs •LPNs •CNAs •HHAs
We offer flexible opportunities,
great pay and sign on bonuses!
• Supplemental Staffing
• Home Health
• Hospice
• Private Duty
• Nurse Aide State Certified School
Call today 918-749-9933 ext. 502
or apply online at www.interimhealthcare.com
RN Owned and Operated • Serving Oklahoma Since 1974
¤ We LOVE our Nurses! ¤
• Per visit Hospice RN: Competitive pay, mileage and cell phone reimburse-
ment. Minimum 1 year nursing experience - home health & hospice preferred.
• Full Time Hospice RN: Minimum 1 year nursing experience - home health &
hospice preferred.
We offer health benefits, 403b, paid time off and paid holidays
for full time employees
Hope Hospice is an equal opportunity employer. Email resumes
to [email protected] or fax resumes to 918-516-0609 or
come by our office at 8291 N Owasso Expressway to fill out an
application.
NURSES DAY 2013
Caring, Helping, Healing.
Turn your experience
into a career at
McAlester Regional
Health Center!
We are seeking dynamic
additions to our team!
RN’s of all specialties:
• Surgery • Float • ER
• Clinical Educator
• Med/Surgical
• Infection Preventionist
If you have what it takes to join our
team, submit your resume to
[email protected] or online
at www.mrhcok.com/careers
One Clark Bass Blvd. •McAlester, OK
www.mrhcok.com • (918) 421-8061
NU 10 • TULSA WORLD SUPPLEMENT
I initially went into
nursing to make more
money. I was a struggling
mother of four when I
went to school to become
an LPN. I didn’t discover
until I was working as
a nurse that it was my
true calling. I continued
working full time as an
LPN while pursing my RN
degree.
Nurses get the
opportunity to make a true difference in people’s lives.
Nursing is a calling; it requires skill and education, but
most of all compassion.
I have so many special memories from my nursing
career. The one that first comes to mind is a man I had
taken care of in the ICU. He was very sick, and we didn’t
know if he would survive, but he did. He would stop by to
visit us and thank us for helping him. He was so thankful
and appreciated everything in life. He always made us cry.
Nursing is a hard job both physically and emotionally.
It is also one of the most rewarding careers you can have.
There are so many different aspects of nursing from
helping to deliver babies to holding a hand as someone
takes their last breath. It is a profession that you can truly
feel you make a difference.
Shellie
Cancer Treatment Centers of America
I remember a sweet
patient that touched me
from my nursing career.
She was a sweet lady in
the ICU for an extensive
time. She wanted to go
home so badly, but she
was very ill. I had a new
nurse graduate orienting
with me at the time, and
we both tried to make
her as comfortable as
possible. We still talk
about her to this day, and I still remember her when I see
the room she lived in for so long. She finally got to go
“home.”
In nursing, the sky is the limit! You can travel, advance
your education, work in numerous different specialties or
teach future nurses. I encouraged my friend to apply, and
she starts in August. I could not be more proud of her.
Tia
OSU Medical Center
I decided to become
a nurse for a multitude
of reasons. I wanted
a flexible schedule,
employment close to my
hometown, opportunities
for advancement and
a career that did not
have the same routine
day in and day out. I
learned very quickly
after graduating that the
career I had chosen has
given me much more than what I was looking for. Nursing
gives you a chance to connect with people in a way that
not many other jobs offer. As a nurse, you are there during
times of joy, sorrow, fear, excitement, relief and so many
more emotions that patients experience throughout their
lifetime.
I have worked in many areas of the hospital over the
past five years, and have had the privilege of being a part
of many patients’ treatments. Each day I am faced with a
chance to make a difference in someone’s life. However,
my patients do not realize that their strength and
ambition makes a difference in my life.
It amazes me how positive some people can be when
they have been blindsided with some of the most
horrifying news imaginable. I believe God is the true
healer, and we are merely a set of hands he uses. I love
that he has chosen this path for my life.
There are endless opportunities in the nursing field:
traveling nurses, hospital settings, clinics, hospice, home
health, flight nursing, occupational and too many more to
count. There are not many careers that offer such a wide
variety of ways that you can use your degree.
I encourage anyone contemplating a career change or
just getting started in the workforce to consider nursing.
Like I did, I’m sure you will find so much more than what
you are looking for. Nursing is hard work and can be a
challenge. However, looking back over the past five years,
I wouldn’t change anything.
Lindsey
Jane Phillips Medical Center
I had gone to college
for a degree in early
childhood education.
A friend was thinking
about applying to nursing
school and asked me if I
had considered it. At the
time, I was deathly afraid
of needles and blood. I
certainly never thought
I could make it through
nursing school. However,
after shadowing a few
nurses, I realized nursing is a lot more than needles and
blood. Nursing also involves building relationships and a
great deal of teaching. The more I learned about nursing,
the more I became intrigued by it.
Along with being a caregiver, nursing also means being
compassionate, caring, a patient advocate, an educator, a
friend, a critical thinker and an assistant.
Nursing is a rewarding career that offers endless
opportunities. Nursing allows you to work flexible hours
and travel the country. You can work in a clinic, in a hospital
or in an operating room. There are also opportunities
— such as becoming a nurse instructor or focusing on
operations — that you can grow into as a nurse.
Penny
Oklahoma Heart Institute
NURSES DAY
Nursing has offered
me the opportunity to
expand my knowledge
and use the skills I’ve
obtained to help people
to improve their lives
and comfort those
who are suffering. The
impact that nursing
can have on the lives of
our patients as well as
their family members
is immeasurable. The
nursing occupation has opened doors that allow me to
fulfill personal as well as professional goals in my life.
Nursing is a diverse and rewarding field. No matter
what your interests are, you will find an area that you can
advance and learn new things all of the time. This is my
favorite part of being a nurse, the diversity of what you
will do on a daily basis will keep your interest.
Linda
OSU Medical Center
I became a nurse
because I want to help
people through good
times and bad times. By
being a nurse, I am there
to support my patients
through some of the
unpleasant and scary
times, and I am there to
help them regain their
health and look forward
to more good times.
Nursing means
providing high-quality care to my patients with the
utmost compassion and respect.
Nursing is a very rewarding career. It is an amazing
feeling to be part of a team that helps to save lives every
day. I can’t quite put into words the feeling I get from
being a nurse — it’s what I was meant to do, and I love it.
If you are looking for a meaningful career where you
can feel proud about putting in a long, hard day where
you know you did your best to make others feel better,
nursing might be for you.
Krystal
Hillcrest Hospital Cushing
Nursing to me means
helping people in their
greatest time of need.
Nurses can make a
significant difference
to patients and families
by taking time to
discuss treatments and
medications, answer
questions and just be the
patient’s advocate. I enjoy
helping patients make
informed decisions and
providing patient education at the same time.
When I chose to pursue a nursing education and career,
I was working at a Colorado ski resort. The onsite medical
center was staffed by people from all over the country.
The versatility and flexibility of the nurses working there
motivated me to take the first step to becoming a nurse.
I have never looked back, and I recommend nursing to
anyone who enjoys working with people.
Mark
St. John Sapulpa
I have spent my whole
career as a nurse working
in the maternal health
field. During this time,
I have worked in labor
and delivery, home
health, office nursing
and postpartum. Each
area has given me great
insight into women
during all phases of
pregnancy, childbirth and
postpartum.
Nursing is my passion and has given me more than
I could ever have hoped for or even imagined. During
my career, I have dealt with women and families from
many different cultures, economic situations, ages and
ethnicities, and because of them, I have become a more
understanding and compassionate person. I have been
a nurse for more than 20 years and to this day, I continue
to be challenged and in love with my career. I feel very
blessed that I am still inspired by the career path I chose
over two decades ago. I know that won’t ever change.
Michele
Saint Francis Hospital South
Nursing is a profession
that is ever-changing and
evolving. Nursing goes
beyond the scientific and
technological aspects of
medicine to reach into
the heart and soul of
patients and caregivers.
It sees beyond the basic
physical needs to touch
the spirit, soul and
body of patients and
caregivers.
I have always wanted to help people and make a
difference in their lives. To give a little piece of myself to
patients and caregivers. Our lives are forever entwined.
A special nursing memory for me is sitting with a
patient, listening, holding their hand and leading them
in the salvation prayer as they passed into eternity.
If you feel called to impact others, touch lives, never
stop learning and pour yourself into patient and
caregivers, then nursing is the career for you.
Susan
Cancer Treatment Centers of America
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Being a nurse is
emotionally and spiritually
rewarding. At the heart of
nursing lies the undeniable
desire to help and serve
others in the presence of or
prevention of illness. Each
nurse contributes their
unique personality and
perspective to provide safe,
patient-centered, holistic care
in a variety of clinical arenas.
Technological advances,
coupled with increased consumer knowledge and access
to health information, create higher levels of societal
expectations from healthcare providers. Though the practice
of nursing demonstrates a multitude of competencies and
diverse skills, I believe there are two fundamental concepts
essential to being a successful nurse.
The first is patient advocacy, which is central to nursing
practice. Understanding patient frailties, concerns and
being the voice “for the patient” projects an alliance of
care between patient and healthcare providers and is
instrumental in the deliverance of quality healthcare. The
second involves understanding the critical need as well as
the commitment to seek lifelong learning opportunities. The
ever-expanding and evolving body of knowledge demands
this commitment to maintain competency throughout a
nurse’s career. Assuring a contemporary clinical knowledge
base is crucial in making evidence-based practice a reality,
thereby enhancing patient experiences and outcomes.
The healthcare horizon is constantly changing and
presents many challenges and opportunities to improve
the deliverance of safe, quality care while being financial
stewards of available resources. Nursing, once thought solely
as administering to those who were ill, now is considered a
complex multidimensional profession. I believe nurses are in
a distinct position to promote health and well-being across
the healthcare continuum and throughout communities
in which they serve. Nursing is not only a profession, it is a
way of life, offering numerous possibilities for independent
autonomy and collaboration.
Teresa
St. John Home Health
I have to credit my
husband with my choice to
go to nursing school. I have
a degree in communications
and public relations and had
a really hard time finding
a job in Tulsa. I wound up
working in the front office of
an urgent care center, where
I learned of my love and
appreciation for the medical
field. My husband, who is also
a nurse, suggested nursing
school, and I have loved every minute of it since graduation.
Nursing means caring, empathy and advocating for the
best for my patients by doing what’s right and being the
voice for those who may not be able to speak for themselves.
I had a patient who was very ill and passed away after
several days of hard work from the family, physicians and
nursing staff. When the family left, the patient’s son stopped
me in the hallway, gave me a big hug and thanked me for
taking such good care of his father. It reminded me that even
when there are difficult days or difficult tasks, what I do is
important to other people. I can make a difference in people’s
lives in a positive way.
In such a dynamic economy, nursing offers job security;
healthcare will always be needed. There are also such a
variety of positions that, no matter what your interests, you
can find a position to suit you. I learn something new every
day. This job is never boring.
Gini
Oklahoma Heart Insitute Hillcrest
Nursing is not the same as
it was even 15 years ago, and
the evolution is opening a
variety of opportunities.
We typically only think
of the bedside nurse at the
hospital, but today’s nurse
has enormous opportunity
to work with technology
and innovation, education,
business and industry.
I have the privilege of
working with our patients’
children. The opportunity to deescalate a child’s fear about
cancer is awesome.
Nursing is an opportunity to be flexible. As life changes,
nursing provides a variety of opportunities
Lindsay
Cancer Treatment Center of America
During my 28-year nursing
career, I’ve worked in a variety
of settings, established many
special memories of patients
and faced a number of
challenges. But, throughout
it all, I always remember that
it is often the little things
you do that have the biggest
impact on patients and
family members. My current
position in Outpatient
Cardiac Rehab allows
me and my coworkers to use previous experience and
knowledge to help our patients recover from a heart event
and learn about heart disease, while also encouraging them
to make necessary lifestyle changes. Since we spend six to
12 weeks with patients following a heart attack or other
serious heart conditions, we closely monitor their hearts
externally. Yet, during this time, we also get a glimpse into
the very emotional heart of the person, which is an added
bonus. Nursing is challenging, sometimes frustrating, always
rewarding, flexible and demands excellence. Would I do it all
over again? Yes!
Billi
The Heart Hospital at Saint Francis
Sunday, May 5, 2013
NURSES DAY
TULSA WORLD SUPPLEMENT • NU 11
Treatha Rayford, RN, OCN
Registered Nurse
5 years at CTCA
Kim Fields, RN
Registered Nurse
5 years at CTCA
Pam Doak, RN, BSN, OCN
Director of Infusion
19 years at CTCA
98.8%* of patients would recommend
Cancer Treatment Centers of America®.
Our nurses make the difference.
At Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA) 98.8% of our patients
who have visited since July 2012 would recommend us for cancer
care. Care that our nurses and clinicians provide.
To the hundreds of RNs, LPNs, patient care technicians, medical
assistants and other clinical support staff, we thank you for your
dedication to our patients and their families. You truly embody the
Mother Standard® of care.
For more information about Cancer Treatment
Centers of America or career opportunities,
visit cancercenter.com.
*Based on internal patient satisfaction surveys returned July 2012 through March 2013.
Scan to learn
more about
Treatha’s
experience as a
nurse at CTCA.
©2013 Rising Tide
Sunday, May 5, 2013
NURSES DAY
NU 12 • TULSA WORLD SUPPLEMENT
National Nurses’ Week
MAY 6 – 12
Outstanding nurses
are a critical part of our
healthcare team.
Saint Francis Health System 2012 Nurse Mentor Award Winners
Cheryl Ashley, RN
Liz Bean, RN
Joy Davidson, RN
Philip Dunlap, RN
Nakia Fletcher, RN
Angie Foster, RN
sainT FranCis hospiTal
Warren CliniC
sainT FranCis hospiTal
sainT FranCis hospiTal
sainT FranCis hospiTal
sainT FranCis hospiTal
Kathy Grayson, RN
Nicole Marth, RN
Susan Meier, RN
Sharlene Rasch, RN
Jennifer Roark, RN
Lauren Scarbrough, RN
sainT FranCis home healTh
sainT FranCis hospiTal
sainT FranCis hospiTal
sainT FranCis hospiTal souTh
sainT FranCis hospiTal
The Children’s hospiTal aT
sainT FranCis
Brenda Smith, RN
Rhonda Speyer, RN
Linda Szabla, RN
Christy Vincent, RN
Nancy White, RN
Bryan Yuras, RN
hearT hospiTal aT
sainT FranCis
sainT FranCis hospiTal
laureaTe psyChiaTriC CliniC
and hospiTal
hearT hospiTal aT
sainT FranCis
The Children’s hospiTal aT
sainT FranCis
sainT FranCis hospiTal
Since 1960, Saint Francis Health System has built a reputation of providing quality healthcare to our community — and our
nurses are a big reason that reputation is still going strong. With a multitude of clinical specialties, our nurses provide excellent
care to patients and families through their knowledge, skill, care and kindness.
To all of the nurses at Saint Francis Hospital, The Children’s Hospital at Saint Francis, Warren Clinic, the Heart Hospital
at Saint Francis, Saint Francis Hospital South, Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital and Saint Francis Home Health
and Hospice, thank you for the care you provide—and the lives you touch.
www.saintfrancis.com
Saint Francis Health System | 918-494-2200
Saint FranciS HoSpital | tHe cHildren’S HoSpital at Saint FranciS | Warren clinic | Heart HoSpital at Saint FranciS | Saint FranciS HoSpital SoutH | laureate pSycHiatric clinic and HoSpital | Saint FranciS Broken arroW