McBee appreciates our nurses this week and every week. In honor of Nurses Week, we’re sharing what we’ve learned about a few of our amazing nurses here at McBee and their thoughts on the selfless profession.
Lisa Young, Utilization Review Nurse, RN, MSN
Tell us about your nursing career…
My nursing career has spanned 26 years, encompassed four different states and a variety of experiences. I started my career as a Certified Emergency Department Nurse and a Teaching Assistant for the Skills Labs while attending graduate school at the University of Texas at Austin. Then, I held various roles during my service on Active Duty in the United States Air Force. I have experienced clinical, administrative and leadership positions in a variety of settings, both Acute and Primary Care. I have also done some post-graduate study in the field of Nursing Informatics, which was very beneficial in today’s current health care environment. I have been with McBee as a Utilization Review Nurse Consultant since 2015. I really appreciate the variety of experiences and the collegial relationships of the professional nursing staff at McBee.
“Nursing encompasses so much, but ultimately it is a service profession, blending science, empathy, compassion, wisdom, and skill into what is today’s professional nurse.”
What is most meaningful to you when it comes to being a nurse?
What is most meaningful to me as a professional nurse is the well-executed fusion of the art of the caregiver, and the science of illness and wellness. To take my knowledge, build upon it with past and present experiences, then utilize and apply that knowledge and skill effectively to positively impact an outcome, to either an individual or an organization, is gratifying. While what we do as professional nurses at McBee is more behind-the-scenes to the individual patients, the effects of our efforts are still felt and seen.
Heather Crumley, Client Engagement Leader, RN, HCS-D, HCS-O
Tell us about your nursing career…
After graduating nursing school, I worked as an emergency room nurse. I won’t say I have seen everything- but I have definitely seen a lot! It was exciting and I learned a lot while working there. After a couple of years, I started doing some part-time work with a home health company and quickly realized I had found my passion! It didn’t take long before I went into home health full time. I spent the following eight years learning the ins and outs of home health, Medicare regulations, OASIS and coding. In May of 2015 I accepted a position with McBee as an OASIS chart reviewer. Three years later I am still here and loving it!
“Even though I may never personally treat the patient, the quality of care that patient receives becomes better due to education and recommendations I provided to their home health nurse.”
What is most meaningful to you when it comes to being a nurse?
When I provided direct patient care it was the impact we had on our patients. Whether providing pain relief, educating them on their disease or medications, or just taking the time to listen to their questions and frustrations, nurses can help ease a patient’s worry and discomfort during their most stressful times. In my current role I no longer have that direct patient care but I provide education to the nurses that do.
What is one thing you wish you knew before becoming a nurse?
The learning doesn’t really start until after nursing school (and then it never ends)! Nursing school helps lay the foundation and gets you started but the majority of our knowledge comes from years of experience, awesome colleagues, and continued education.
Neil Espenido, Utilization Review Nurse, RN
Tell us about your nursing career…
My Nursing career was very colorful I should say, I have accomplished so much in the various fields of nursing. I started in MedSurg, Telehealth, Emergency and then in Trauma and Surgical, and lastly in Anesthesia.
“At this point I can say I don’t need to prove anything to anybody about my background as a nurse- I have done so much in my 20 years in the nursing field!”
What is the most common misconceptions nurses face?
The most common misconception nurses face is when they think it is an easy job to do and make easy money, a good nurse needs dedication and patience to endure this career.
Sheri Ikner, OASIS Manager, RN, BSN, COS-C, HCS-D
Tell us about your nursing career…
I graduated from Troy State University in 1988. I have been a nurse for 30 years (wow!). I worked as a candy striper/volunteer in high school and a nurse’s aide while I was in college. I started out on a MedSurg floor and worked there for 3 years before I moved to home health and hospice. I worked in these areas for 20+ years before I came to McBee. As a hospice nurse I have so many memorable stories – too many to count.
“I still have relationships with family members of some of my hospice patients. I can’t walk into a store or restaurant to this day without someone recognizing me and giving me a hug and thanking me for being there and helping them during such a difficult time.”
What is one thing you wish you knew before becoming a nurse?
You can’t save everyone. I graduated nursing school with a “save the world” attitude and I quickly learned that this is impossible.
What is the most common misconceptions nurses face?
That we wear perfectly starched white uniforms and never get dirty. This is definitely NOT the case!
Angie Karr, OASIS Manager, RN, HCS-D, HCS-O
Tell us about your nursing career…
I began my nursing career in the acute setting, as most do. One thing I said while in my clinical rotation in nursing school was “I will never do home health”. That is exactly where I ended up, and it has been the most rewarding part of my nursing career as it led me to McBee. Obtaining my HCS-D and HCS-O credentials and becoming a manager at McBee is something that I’m proud of and I feel very blessed.
“…Becoming a home health nurse has been the most rewarding part of my nursing career.”
What is the most meaningful to you when it comes to being a nurse?
The most meaningful part of being a nurse to me has been the numerous friends I’ve made with patients and families. A relationship is built while taking care of patients. You become a friend, confidante, caretaker and advocate. Seeing a patient improve and being a part of that is very rewarding.
What is the most common misconception nurses face?
One misconception nurses face is “All nurses must do the same kind of work” There are so many different specialties in nursing from acute care, home health, pediatric, oncology, consulting, just to name a few.
