I am a Registered Nurse at Memorial Hospital, working on One Central, and I love my job. I don't consider it a job as much as I consider it a calling. Sitting here writing these words, I can picture my patients and the energy surrounding my unit. As a staff nurse, the hours are long, the day challenging, and I always go home tired, yet, I wouldn't change a thing.
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Front row (left to right): Stephanie Sexton, 1 Central Nursing Coordinator; Lindsay Huff, RN; Lisa Quails, RN; Joyce Rogers, NA; Kristin Siharath, RN; Kristy Davis, RN. Back row (left to right): Kandace Sanford, US/MT; Mary Kay Chevalier, RN; Shawn Preston, NA; Christina Vaughn, LPN; Marla Ingram, RN.
I arrive to work at 6:30 am to be met by my coworkers' greetings, wishing me a successful day. They have become part of my extended family. Each day, I have an assignment of five different patients, all with varied diagnoses, personalities, ages, and needs. Shortly after arriving, I categorize the challenges I must meet to reach my patients' needs, each in a caring, individual way. The support I receive from coworkers, the unit coordinator, and my Director is the backbone to my success. Each day provides a new opportunity that I face with help of my coworkers.
After completing my twelve hour shift, I have frustrations. I'm tired and may not have reached all my goals for each patient, but I would not change a thing. On my drive home, I remember the smiles on my patients' faces, the "thank yous" from their family members, and the soul-filling satisfaction of my purpose-filled day.
When I return to my next scheduled day of work, the challenges always change, but the patients' needs remain. I love my job and love being my patients' advocate. I, and my coworkers, make a difference through integrity, compassion, excellence and reverence, the Memorial Hospital way. I wouldn't change a thing.
Sincerely,
Mary Kay, R.N.
