I have been a nurse for 26 years. I have worked in clinics, ER, ICU, Cath labs, and medical surgical units. I will always remember my first job in the nursing field. It was the summer between my junior and senior year in high school. My great-grandfather was being taken care of at home after having a debilitating stroke. He had become wheel chair bound and was basically a total care patient. My great aunt stayed with him at night and my grandfather stayed during the day. They were both retired and were able to take care of my great-grandfather rather than send him to the nursing home. My summer job was to sit with him during the day; to relieve my grandfather. My duties consisted of feeding him and administering his medications.
After graduation from high school, my mother, literally took me by the hand and enrolled me in nursing school.
I have had a wonderful rewarding and fulfilling career. I have met many wonderful patients and families that have forever left memories. Nursing is ever changing and always challenging. I plan to continue for at least another 25 years.

Sharon, Lufkin, Texas
26 years