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Nursing: An Awesome Job
Terrie Cole, RN, started working at Froedtert Hospital as a patient care assistant in 1997, just a few months before graduating from nursing school. From the beginning, she has worked on the Hematology/Oncology inpatient unit. “I don’t foresee working anywhere else,” Cole says. “It’s an awesome area.”
She most enjoys getting to know patients and their families, seeing people get better and, when necessary, helping patients and families come to terms with death and dying. “Helping families get ready and helping someone leave this world has its own rewards,” Cole says.
She also values her fellow nurses. “I have the most wonderful coworkers. They’re all team players,” Cole says. “If someone has a patient who is not doing well, everyone chips in to help with other patients. We really work as a team.”
On a broader scale, Cole serves as a division chair on the hospital’s Practice Council, which reviews and revises clinical policies and procedures, standards of care and care plans. “It’s important to be involved in the decision-making process, because nursing is always changing. If you don’t have the nurses’ voice, changes might not be appropriate.”
Cole values her involvement in the Practice Council. “Being involved makes change easier. I know why a change is being made, and I can help educate everyone else to ease the transition.”
She played a leadership role in the process when Froedtert Hospital moved to an evidence-based approach to nursing. “It was a huge learning experience. We don’t do things just because a policy says so. We look at evidence and make sure we can back up whatever we do.”
Cole’s dedication doesn’t end when she leaves work. In December 2004, she completed certification as an emergency medical technician, so she can volunteer with her local fire department. “I want to have a role in my community and to give back,” she says.
Source: Froedtert Today Date: March 2006 |