How I Became A Nurse – From Childhood to EMT to RN

Childhood Dreams and Early Inspirations

I don’t know why I dreamed of becoming a doctor at ten years old, but I did. My pediatrician gifted me an old medical book, which I devoured with fascination. This early exposure to medical knowledge sparked my interest in healthcare and science. My love of animals led to years of involvement with 4-H and veterinary science programs.

First Steps into Emergency Services

During high school, my friends encouraged me to join them as volunteer firefighters. Excited by the opportunity to serve my community, I dedicated myself to rigorous physical and mental preparation to pass the required tests. This experience opened my eyes to the world of emergency services, particularly the role of EMTs in private ambulances. The profession immediately appealed to me for several reasons:

• The adrenaline rush of responding
• The need for quick thinking and adaptability
• The independence and responsibility of the role
• The challenging nature of the work
• The satisfaction of helping others in critical moments
• The noble and honorable cause it represented
• The continuous encouragement to improve professionally

These aspects of the EMT role aligned perfectly with my aspirations and values, setting me on a path that would ultimately lead to my nursing career.

EMT Career and Shifting Perspectives

I began working for Shepard Ambulance, one of Seattle’s first private ambulance companies. This job exposed me to various healthcare settings and professionals, including registered nurses working as flight nurses, in the emergency room, and in other critical care settings. I was impressed by their knowledge and critical thinking skills, which challenged my initial misconceptions about nursing. 

The Dare that Changed My Path

A pivotal moment came when my supervisor at Shepard, George Kosue, challenged me to consider my future. When I mentioned nursing school, he playfully “triple dog dared” me to pursue it. This dare became the catalyst for my nursing career.

Nursing School and Disaster Response

While working full-time and taking prerequisites, I was accepted into Everett Community College’s nursing program. Just before starting, I was called up for my first deployment with the Seattle King County Disaster Team to Kauai after Hurricane Iniki, barely making it back for my first day of classes.

Notable Deployments

As part of my service with the Seattle King County Disaster Team and later as WA-I DMAT, I was invited and deployed across the country. Some of the most notable deployments include:

• Hurricane Iniki (Kauai, Hawaii – 1992)
• Centennial Olympic Park bombing, while on standby for the Summer Olympics (Atlanta, Georgia – 1996)
• Red River flood (Grand Forks, North Dakota – 1997)
• Processing Kosovo refugees (Fort Dix, New Jersey – 1999)
• Hurricane/Tropical Storm Allison (Houston, Texas – 2001)
• World Trade Center attack (Ground Zero, New York – 2001)

Excelling in Nursing

I thrived academically while working two part-time jobs as an ER tech and an EMT. Graduating with honors and as “Student of the Year” in 1993, I transitioned to the Registered Nurse role in the Emergency Department at Providence in Everett. The hospital environment proved just as exhilarating as my EMT days, offering continuous learning opportunities and professional growth.

Career Growth and Personal Life

As my family expanded, I adapted my career to better balance work and home life. I transitioned to an ambulatory surgery center, where I eventually specialized as an operating room nurse, primarily focusing on orthopedic procedures. This move allowed me to maintain a challenging career while accommodating my family’s needs. Over the years, I diversified my professional experience:

1. I volunteered as a safety officer for equestrian events, applying my medical expertise in a unique setting.
2. At work, I took on additional responsibilities in infection control and prevention.
3. During the COVID pandemic, I helped navigate the complex challenges of resuming elective surgeries safely.

These experiences broadened my skill set and allowed me to contribute to healthcare in various capacities, from community events to implementing critical safety protocols during a global health crisis.

Reflections on a 31-Year Career

Now, with over three decades of nursing experience, I’ve witnessed significant changes in healthcare. While embracing impressive medical advancements, I’ve also observed developing challenges within our healthcare system, particularly regarding access and availability.

Advocacy and Continued Passion

My experiences have fueled a passion for patient advocacy. I find fulfillment in being a caregiver, coordinator, and cheerleader for my patients, helping them navigate the complexities of healthcare to live their best lives.

My conclusion? Everyone needs a “nurse in the family” – someone who can advocate, educate, and support them through their health journey. It’s a role I feel called to—and proud to—fill, both personally and professionally.

Thank you so much for reading.

Sincerely,

(your Whidbey Nurse)