I can’t wait to go and make a difference

I decided to become a nurse after enrolling in the Calhoun Area Career Center’s 21st Century Health Program. As a student in the rotations, I would come to Bronson Battle Creek and observe the nurses and clinical staff. I learned about medication administration, starting IVs and doing assessments – any clinical experience you can think of I, most of the time, was able to see that.

When I did my rotation at the Cancer Care Center, I was so scared. I thought, “Cancer is word no one wants to say. No one wants to address it. You tiptoe around it.” But after watching the nurses provide the most amazing care, they were so kind and compassionate, it was at that moment that I decided I was going to work here and nursing was the field for me. As soon as a full-time position came open , I snagged it. That was the best decision I’ve ever made.

What I like about working in the Cancer Care Center is the unique relationship you get to build with your patients. Here, you get the follow-up. You get to see them monthly, even when they’re done with their treatment, to do port flushes. You get to ask them about their families, their lives, what they’re doing and how they’re doing. We have this connection with patients that you don’t get anywhere else. The patients really drive me to be the best nurse that I can be.

It’s so rewarding that you want to come to work. I don’t think there’s ever been a day that I’ve woken up and said, “No, I don’t really want to go to work today.” It’s always, “Yes! I love my job. I can’t wait to go and make a difference.”