Interview a Health Professional

Name: Melissa Howse
Position (job title), and where they are working: Registered nurse, specialization in oncology worked at sentara vb general.
Education (what degrees or certifications they have) depaul school of nursing, diploma program (no longer existing) 3 year program in 2 years. No bsn required.
What inspired him/her to get into that field: “I love taking care of people” mother was a nurse father was fema director. Grew up around medical family. Volunteered as a candy striper. Loved being activated.
What was his/her path to his/her current job. Oncology, CNA job starting out (same unit as her mom) Loved oncology, loved working with families. Said she would never work in the field and ended up loving it.
Basic roles and responsibilities. Reports, passing meds, care plans, checking test and lab contact doctor with abnormalities, procedure, check patients.
His/her favorite (or most rewarding) aspect about the job. Seeing someone at peace even in death. Helping families and patients find the peace. No two days are ever the same.
What is the most surprising aspect of their career. How fun it is and how you learn something new everyday.
What is the most challenging aspect of their career. Dealing with patients that were terminally ill with uncontrollable issues (cancer) and also dealing with patients that dealt with alcohol poisoning which was actions that was done to themselves. Having to put on a smile on and deal with patients that were difficult.
Advice he/she would give to someone getting into the health field. Sleep now while you still can & leave it at work.
Hours typically worked: Day shift 7am-7pm.
Nursing story: Caring for Captain in the navy: brand new grad encouraged her and gave her confidence while caring for him over time
Fresh flowers from the husband of a patient.
New nurse on orientation, first code watching people running every way.
A man sat up and coughed his wound open and his intestine fell out.