May 6-12 is National Nurses Week. Check back for more stories in the days ahead.
An unusual journey to become a nurse:
Maggie Elizabeth Phillips, RN, PCCN, of the BSSF Ambulatory Care Unit, was a 7th grade science teacher before becoming a nurse. Partly as the result of a nurse manager friend allowing her to observe the delivery of a baby, Elizabeth decided to change careers. Perhaps a more influential factor, however, was her own personal experience with thyroid cancer. She says, “The more I learned about how the body works, the more I liked the idea (of becoming a nurse).”
Inspirational experience with a patient that led to an outstanding outcome for the patient: |
For Sarah Richards, RN, CMSRN, of the BSSF Neuro-Spine Center, rounding with the doctors to promote excellent communication between nurse, physician, and patient is a priority. When a patient experienced a life-threatening complication last year, Sarah’s critical thinking was recognized and commended by the surgeon. Her clear communication brought the team together immediately; the patient was returned to the OR within minutes of the complication. Throughout the entire emergency, she remained with the patient to reassure him. Her ability to manage complex clinical situations is remarkable.