Cathy, Registered Nurse

2. What made you choose this line of work?

I just wanted to go to college unlike a lot of my family, I had married young but wanted to attend college so I picked something I liked at a 2-year college.

3. Has it been a long life dream?

No, it has not really been a lifelong dream.

4. Do you find any satisfaction in what you do?

I like what I do a lot but there is something different out there that I would like more.

5. What kind of benefits do you receive? (Not insurance, vacation, etc.)

Benefits with my job in particular, since I am an office nurse, include paid ( and actually having the time off) vacation, sick time, insurance, 401-k, pleasant atmosphere.

6. Are there downfalls with this job?

Downfalls include stress. You see a lot of the same elderly sick folks in time after time. Usually you can help them out just by putting a smile on your face. It's kind of interesting to follow the same people throughout certain life spans.

7. Is it a career or just a job?

Right now I call this nursing position my job. If I liked it a lot more then maybe I would make a career out of it, but right now my hopes include owning my own business, something totally different from nursing.

8. Is there a historical(?) figure that you admire in your profession?

There's no historical figure that I would say except maybe Florence Nightingale.

9. Where do you draw support from to remain where you are in your career?

I draw my strength on a day to day basis from God. I've been a Christian since I was 7 years old and there's no way in this world that I could have done the things in life that I have, without Him.

10. Could you share a special anecdote about you profession?

I cannot think of one, really...

11. What are you responsibilities?

My responsibilities as an office nurse include assessing vital signs (BP, temp, weight, etc.), obtaining a history briefly as to the office visit, making sure med list is correct (especially older patients who take so many), immunizations, teaching about diabetes, etc, and a MOUNTAIN of paperwork regarding the patient and office functions.

12. Did you receive special education for profession? Where?

I received my Associates of Nursing degree from a 2year community college which is well known for it's nursing programs.

13. How long have you been doing this line of work and how has it changed
since you've been with it?

I have been a nurse since 1994. I have never worked anywhere as an RN except in the office setting. I like my family time with nights and weekends off. It has changed a lot, especially in the hospital setting, I'm sure. The biggest change I've seen in offices is the amount of paperwork involved on a daily basis- it's unbelievable.

14. What are you goals in your career?

My goal while I am a nurse is to strive to be the friendliest/happiest nurse that I can be. Patients usually come in when they don't feel good. It helps to have a smile and let them know they will get better. I like where I work at a lot- we have such a great team and head doctor. My first office job lasted 7 years, and I've been at my current location for over 4 years now.