My first exposure to the health field was as an environmental aide at the age of 15. I then completed the CNA course and passed. My duties went from passing snacks, passing linens, sweeping the floors, and taking out the trash to providing direct care. I went on to get my LPN, A.A. BSN, and Legal Nurse Consultant degrees.
I have been a nurse in many settings, such as med-surg, emergency room, psychiatric, community behaviors, and as an adjunct instructor. Long-term care is where the majority of my expertise lies. I have been in a leadership position such as RN case manager, Staff Development Coordinator, Quality Assurance Coordinator, MDS Coordinator, and Skin/Wound Nurse. Other hats I have worn under these positions are HR assistant, employee health, and chart auditor.
I enjoy writing, scrapbooking, photography, making crafts for the local county fair, running, and horseback riding, and running. I collect horses, gingerbreads, stickers, and chapsticks. I have done volunteer work for the Jefferson County Fair, entering exhibits in the adult open class. Every year, I try making something different to learn and grow from the judges' feedback. I write for a local magazine publication The Neighborhood Magazine. I write a lot about local community content articles.
I am a mother of a son, a daughter, and stepchildren. I have a grandson who is graduating this year and a granddaughter who turned two on Valentine's Day. I have three other granddaughters. I have also been a Packwood Volunteer First Responders.
I live in a small town and was born in a small town. My husband is an electrician. We have been together for 26 years.
I love taking photos of special moments because photos and cards are the most precious things I treasure.
I am a people person and detail-oriented. I love being a nurse and am excited about accepting a position as Director of Nursing. My advice to colleagues, future nurses, is to learn from each other. I believe that every interaction is a teaching moment.
My biggest accomplishment is being a breast cancer survivor and a loving husband who has stayed true to our wedding vows. I have a son who is also a cancer survivor. He was my biggest cheerleader during my cancer journey. I love being a wife, mom, and grandmother.
Life experiences, good or bad, prepare us for the future. As a young nurse, I did not know everything. I still don't know everything. It is okay to acknowledge that thought. The longer you stay in nursing, the more you develop as a professional. It takes time and respect to achieve leadership roles. Sick with nursing, and the reward is worth it in the end.
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