women in history month...
According to the National WWII Museum, Since 1988, The United States Congress and the president have annually issued resolutions and proclamations declaring March as Women in History Month.
Rather than highlight women from the past who led by example and were considered role models, today's post, as in previous March posts, features the accomplishments of a contemporary figure. A woman who has made her own bit of history.
A doctor, a retired judge, two barbers, a housewife, an airline pilot, and, a structural engineer for UPS, have been featured in this blog during Women in History Month.
This year, the spotlight is on a woman who is an oncology nurse at Baptist East in Louisville, Kentucky. She works with a team of oncologists and hematologists and specifically, Dr. Michael Kommor. Her name is Megan Gardner.
I went to the University of Kentucky and graduated in 2010, she said.
Tell me what you did after you graduated.
My first job was as a medical surgical nurse here at Baptist, she recalled. I was a nurse on the night shift and then came over here and I've been here ever since. I've been here almost 15 years now.
Along the way, you chose to get married and have a family.
I did, she smiled. My husband is Alex, who is an engineer, and, we have two boys, Everett who is eight and Ben is five.
I want to be accurate, you are an oncology nurse, correct?
Yes, she confirmed. I am.
What is a positive thing about nursing that has changed since you graduated?
We work as a team more, she decided, Everything is so much more complicated now. We take more of a multi-faceted approach. We have dieticians, nutritionists, and others helping too. I think it is more of an effort with a patient instead of just a doctor and nurse.
When you say things are more complicated now, give me an example of what you are referring to..
Well, we know now nutrition plays a huge part of a colon cancer patient's recovery, she gave as an example. Now, a dietician meets with the patient and gives them special treatment. The patient will get tips on nutrition and other resources too.
What is one of the most difficult aspects of your job?
I would say having young oncology patients, she replied, especially if it is an advanced cancer. It is insanely hard. We have had patients in their early 30s and early 40s who have passed away and it is really hard. Usually, they are married and have young kids and it is very difficult to deal with that.
What is something you would like to see change in your profession? Something that would help you do your job.
I would like to see more people do screenings, she responded. Colon cancer, lung cancer. We do a lot of lung cancer patients and there are screenings if you are a smoker. People don't take advantage of these tests. but, they detect problems earlier.
Would you recommend your profession to younger people?
We need more nurses, so, yes, I would, she affirmed. It is a mentally and physically very demanding job, but, certainly rewarding. I believe I make a difference every day. If someone wants a rewarding job, this is it.
Do you see yourself as a role model?
Well, I hope so, she thoughtfully answered. Especially with young kids. I haven't really thought about it that way, but, I hope so.
Where will you be 10 years from now? What do you see yourself doing?
I hope Dr. Kommor will still be here and I will be too, she forecast. I would love to be here and be a clinical nurse. I want to keep getting more education. There's always new certifications to get and I want to do that and continue right here.
Do you have anything in the next 12 months you would like to achieve?
I do have a certification I want to get and it is Oncology Certified Nurse, Meagan said. I am taking a test for it and I've been taking classes to prepare for that. I also want to enjoy my kids.
What about relaxing time? Anything special coming up?
We are all going to Grand Canyon on Spring Break, she smiled, so, we are excited about that.
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Europe and we are going next year, she grinned. We want to see Italy, Germany, Switzerland and maybe a couple other countries.
Megan, good luck to you and thanks for your time.
Thank you,
Coming up: another oddities, observations & ?'s; an Encore Performer who has traveled the world; a job$ somebody's gotta do, and; another POS.
And, finally. I called my newspaper to cancel an uninvited subscription. This is how the conversation went.
I called three weeks ago to cancel my paper and I am still getting Sunday delivery. Today, I got a bill for $19.20
And what is the name of your paper?
The Courier-Journal. I thought that is who I called.
Yes, and what is the reason you want to cancel?
No reason. Just cancel, please, and take this bill off. I canceled three weeks ago.
It is a lot easier if I have a reason.
But, I don't have a reason.
Most people say the paper is not what they want, or, it is too expensive.
Okay, choose one.
Yes, the paper is too expensive for you. Does that work?
Sure does.
HUH? What's up with that?
Comments