Personal Information and Professional Goals
Personal Information
I have worked as a registered nurse for 28 years. After graduating from an associate degree program I began my nursing career working as a bedside nurse in oncology. I cared for multiple complex patients receiving treatments and palliative care for cancer. After working a few years in oncology I worked as a critical care nurse in a medical critical care unit. The skills that I gained working in oncology prepared me well to care for the critically ill patients. I next took a position working in an ambulatory surgical center in the post anesthesia care unit. I also learned several other roles related to preparing the patients for surgery. Within a year I moved into a leadership position to manage the preoperative admission and post anesthesia care units of the surgical center. During this time I made a decision to obtain my degree in management of health services to better prepare myself to manage all aspects of the surgical center. Over the years mergers took place and management structures changed. I moved to a site manager role and assumed 24 hour accountability for all aspects of the surgical center. I have held this role for 20 years. Within the past year I also have assumed management of a second surgery center within our hospital system.
I have had many great experiences and leadership learning opportunities in my role. I have taken classes to increase my healthcare business knowledge and have just completed my final class and nursing practicum experience in leadership through Ferris State University, Master of Science in Nursing program. When I started my career as a nurse I never imagined I would be in a leadership role. As I reflect on my growth as a nurse leader over the past few years I am thankful for many opportunities and the ability to complete my master's in nursing. I desire to continue in my current role though I am also excited to explore new opportunities in the future.
I have had many great experiences and leadership learning opportunities in my role. I have taken classes to increase my healthcare business knowledge and have just completed my final class and nursing practicum experience in leadership through Ferris State University, Master of Science in Nursing program. When I started my career as a nurse I never imagined I would be in a leadership role. As I reflect on my growth as a nurse leader over the past few years I am thankful for many opportunities and the ability to complete my master's in nursing. I desire to continue in my current role though I am also excited to explore new opportunities in the future.
Professional Goals
Upon completing my MSN degree in December of 2012, I will continue to work in my current role as a Nurse Manager in Surgical Services. I will become certified in Nursing Administration within the year and desire to continue my education in business and healthcare administration to enhance my knowledge around healthcare economics. I will seek out opportunities where I may utilize my education to lead a project within my organization.