UW Health Careers HomeAn Interview with Kim, RN
"We see some of the most complex and difficult cases throughout the state, so really it's a privilege to work here because you are challenged every day." - Kim, RN
Q: Kim, what do you do for a living?
A: I work at UW Hospital and Clinics as a registered nurse in the Department of Radiation-Oncology.
A: I work at UW Hospital and Clinics as a registered nurse in the Department of Radiation-Oncology.
Q: How long have you worked here?
A: I have worked at UW Hospital my entire nursing career, which is almost 16 years.
A: I have worked at UW Hospital my entire nursing career, which is almost 16 years.
Q: How did you decide on oncology?
A: I had one 45- minute class lecture in oncology during college. I knew at that point oncology was the area of nursing that I wanted to work in based on that one lecture. I found oncology fascinating because it dealt with so many different types of cancers and many different therapies that you would use to treat cancers, so that really was the push for me to look for a position in oncology.
A: I had one 45- minute class lecture in oncology during college. I knew at that point oncology was the area of nursing that I wanted to work in based on that one lecture. I found oncology fascinating because it dealt with so many different types of cancers and many different therapies that you would use to treat cancers, so that really was the push for me to look for a position in oncology.
I interviewed with Helen, the nurse manager of the oncology unit at that time. I was so impressed with her passion, dedication, and knowledge. I instantly knew that I wanted to be a part of this nursing unit.
Q: How do people react when you tell them what you do?
A: When I say that I am a nurse, people will instantly smile and shake their head at the same time. They will say, "Oh, I could never do the kind of work you do on a daily basis. I don't think I could handle the blood. I don't think I could take care of sick patients." After saying that, I often hear, "I admire what you do."
A: When I say that I am a nurse, people will instantly smile and shake their head at the same time. They will say, "Oh, I could never do the kind of work you do on a daily basis. I don't think I could handle the blood. I don't think I could take care of sick patients." After saying that, I often hear, "I admire what you do."
When they find out that I work at UW Hospital, they know it has a reputation for the quality of care that it delivers and the complex patients that are treated at the UW Hospital.
Q: Are there any characteristics that define nurses at UW Hospital?
A: Our nurses are willing to learn. They are up for a challenge on a daily basis. We see some of the most complex and difficult cases throughout the state, so really it's a privilege to work here because you are challenged every day.
A: Our nurses are willing to learn. They are up for a challenge on a daily basis. We see some of the most complex and difficult cases throughout the state, so really it's a privilege to work here because you are challenged every day.
Q: Does working at UW Hospital give you the opportunity to grow within your profession?
A: There are opportunities for career advancement through job training and continued education. Degree completion and advanced degree education is supported and reimbursed. Additionally, nurses have the opportunity to explore other areas of nursing within the hospital.
A: There are opportunities for career advancement through job training and continued education. Degree completion and advanced degree education is supported and reimbursed. Additionally, nurses have the opportunity to explore other areas of nursing within the hospital.
For example, if you are currently working in an ambulatory care clinic and you're looking to learn something totally different and new, like the operating room, you certainly have that opportunity to transfer and learn a different aspect of nursing and different aspect of medicine.
Q: How do you stay motivated?
A: What drives me to do this work on a daily basis is the ultimate satisfaction. I know when I leave the workplace that I've done a good job. I know that I've met many patients that have impacted my life and I will see them when they return for follow-up care. It's a continued relationship that I have with patients.
A: What drives me to do this work on a daily basis is the ultimate satisfaction. I know when I leave the workplace that I've done a good job. I know that I've met many patients that have impacted my life and I will see them when they return for follow-up care. It's a continued relationship that I have with patients.
I think it's also the camaraderie, support and respect that I have with my nursing staff, physicians, therapists and our administrative staff. Everyone within that department has enthusiasm, dedication, and passion for providing quality care to our oncology patients.
Q: How do the nurses in your department get along with the physicians?
A: My relationship with physicians at UW Hospital is one that is very positive. I believe that also adds to the reasons why staff stay within the department -- because it is one of mutual respect. As a nurse in Radiotherapy I have always felt to be a member of team. Everyone contributes to the care of patients and we all need each other.
A: My relationship with physicians at UW Hospital is one that is very positive. I believe that also adds to the reasons why staff stay within the department -- because it is one of mutual respect. As a nurse in Radiotherapy I have always felt to be a member of team. Everyone contributes to the care of patients and we all need each other.
Q: What do you think the key to delivering quality care is?
A: The key to delivering quality care is having the resources available to do it. Communication among hospital, physician, nursing, and ancillary services enhances the ability to provide quality care.
A: The key to delivering quality care is having the resources available to do it. Communication among hospital, physician, nursing, and ancillary services enhances the ability to provide quality care.
Q: What do you get from working with the patient population that you work with?
A: Patients have taught me a lot about life and death in general. I am continually inspired by our patients. As a graduate nurse on an oncology unit I first witnessed the dying process. It's also where I first witnessed and felt what it is like to love and give of your self. Repeatedly, patients have told me that what's most important in life are the people you meet and the relationships you develop.
I believe I am a better person as a result of being a nurse. Simply stated, patients have given me more than I could ever give them. What I have learned from patients will continue with me for life. I am very proud to say I'm a nurse!
