Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1187856
26 Working Nurse l WorkingNurse.com November 18, 2019–January 13, 2020 "Lend people your ear, be a hand to hold and offer a shoulder to cry on." Marc G. Juico, RN, BSN Care Manager L.A. CARE HEALTH PLAN What do you particularly love about your specialty? In my current role as a case manager for the country's largest publicly operated health plan, I assist mem- bers in understand- ing their benefits and accessing services. The most enjoyable part of the work is having conversations with our members, whether it's trying to get them the specific help they need or simply asking how their day is going. Sometimes, all our members need on a given day is someone to talk to. Please share the funniest or most moving thing that's happened to you as a nurse (bearing HIPAA in mind). When I worked in a skilled nursing facility early in my career, a hairdresser visited our facility one day. A resident approached me at the nurses' station to show off her new look, saying, "Marc, look at my hair. I got this done just for you!" It caught me by surprise, but I said thank you and com- plimented her. On a different afternoon, a resident's sister approached me at the nurse's station, asking me to check on her brother. We had to immediately call the paramedics to take the resi- dent to a hospital. A few weeks later, the resident and his sister returned to thank me and the staff. The sister said we saved her brother's life. What has being a nurse taught you? That you can make a difference in a person's life even when it's not strictly health-related. We all have our battles and we all need help. Be there for someone if you can: Lend them your ear, be a hand to hold and offer a shoulder to cry on. "When I turned around, the patient saw I was crying and we both started laughing." Ron Manalo, RN Acute Rehabilitation ADVENTIST HEALTH GLENDALE What do you particularly love about your specialty? Working in acute rehabilitation wasn't really a choice; it was kind of given to me, but I am thankful that it was. Being in rehab, you work with the same patients for about two weeks before discharge. I get to see patients come into the unit and progress from being barely able to do things to walking with minimal assistance and being able to care for themselves. It makes me feel good to be part of that process in their lives. It feels rewarding seeing people get better. Please share the funniest or most moving thing that's happened to you as a nurse (bearing HIPAA in mind). One particular patient made a great recovery from a stroke. When it was time for discharge, the patient was telling me how grateful they were for my helping and encouraging them along the way. Seeing tears running down the patient's face, I turned around, not wanting to show the patient that I was crying too. The patient asked, "What's wrong?" and I said, "Dust got in my eyes." When I turned around, the patient saw I was crying and we both started laughing. What has being a nurse taught you? Nursing is not only about passing out medications. We make a difference in patients' lives and even their family members' lives. No matter how hard or stressful nursing can be, seeing a patient go home feeling better gives you a feeling of satisfaction. MEN IN NURSING 2019