Graduation Year:
1988
What is your best memory from nursing school?
In my second year of clinicals, during my ortho rotation, I had a fresh total hip, post-op day 1, screaming in pain at 7 a.m. From my experience as a tech on an ortho unit at a different facility, I immediately recognized that her hip was dislocated. I told the patient’s nurse who I felt thought I didn’t know what I was talking about because I was a student. She then recognized that I was correct! The nurse and doctor praised my good catch! The patient had to go back to surgery to have it reduced and later thanked me for catching it. My other fun memories are from the friendships that were created and the times staying in the dorms.
What advice would you give to new nurses?
My advice to new nurses is that it’s okay and normal to feel frustrated, overwhelmed or even cry at times. It doesn’t mean that you’re weak or that you’re not made to be a nurse. It means you’re human. You will have these feelings even years into your career. Just remind yourself that, “this too shall pass.” Never be afraid to ask for help! Remember, it is really important to choose a position that feels like home to you. Otherwise, you will become miserable in what you do.
How did St. Elizabeth School of Nursing prepare you for your career?
I think the amount of clinicals St. Elizabeth School of Nursing had to offer back when I started helped to better prepare us to become nurses. I tend to learn and retain better with hands-on experiences.
If you weren’t a nurse, what would you be?
I have always wanted to be a nurse for as long as I can remember. My sister is also a School of Nursing graduate and our mom always instilled in us that as nurses we would always have a job if anything in life should ever happen. She also said robots could never take the place of a nurse, especially at the bedside.
What do you like most about your current job?
I love my job because of my patients and my coworkers! I love getting to know my patients and their life stories. I want them to feel like the person they are and not just a room number or faceless patient. I want them to feel as if they are my only patient. I also love my coworkers because they are my second family. They took me in as one of their own from the first day I transferred in!
What is the toughest part about being a nurse?
The toughest part of my job can also be the most rewarding, and that is working in Palliative Care helping this population of patients with symptom management at the end of their lives so it can be as easy and peaceful as possible. It’s difficult for families to watch a loved one go through this. They temporarily take you in as part of their family so to speak, at one of the most vulnerable times in their lives. They love to share memories of their loved ones and look to you to help educate them as their loved one transitions through this process. It is truly an honor to care for these patients and their families during this difficult time.
How do see yourself through the lens of the school’s mission… continuing Christ’s healing ministry?
I believe in treating everyone as you would want to be treated. I care for all my patients as if they were my own family member no matter what walk of life they come from.
Shout out to Kathryn!
We want to thank Kathryn for her dedicated support given to our students. She has served as a preceptor for more students than any other previous or current nurse within our organization. We appreciate her willingness, dedication, kindness and ability to share her love for nursing with our students.
