Fan of the Month (May 2014)
Our clients and Facebook fans are passionate about their jobs. We appreciate their interaction on our site. Each month, we will be selecting and recognizing one of our fans based on their social interaction and participation and we will feature this person on our Facebook page as well as our website. In addition to being featured, this lucky person will also receive free tuition for their next ACLS or PALS recertification.
With that said, we are pleased to introduce our first AMRI Fan of the Month: Laurie Reed.
Fan of the Month:
Laurie B. Reed, RN, CLT (ASCP)CM
Case Manager
Hospice Partners of Kansas
What inspired you to become a nurse?
I have several nurses in my family. I started my medical career as an OR tech, specializing in trauma. My plan was to attend college to become an RN. I was accepted at a Medical University to start in the Fall of 1985. On June 28th of that year, my son was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia which put my nursing aspirations on hold. Four years later, I started nursing school, graduated and started my career as an OR nurse, specializing in Open Heart and trauma. My son's illness solidified my desires!!!
What is the most amazing thing you have ever done?
As a first responder, I participated in the rescue and transport of victims involved in the Hyatt skywalk collapse in August of 1981. I was also a first responder in Haiti in January of 2010 after the earthquake. I love responding to local, regional and global disasters to help those in need.
How has becoming a nurse affected your life?
It has opened my eyes about how blessed our country is to have the best health care available.
What is the one thing you would advise nursing students?
Don’t get into nursing for the money. Be passionate about what you are doing. Don’t complain about the long hours – it’s part of the career. Nursing is a calling and yes, we want to make a living, but don’t expect to get rich!!!
If you could have dinner with any three people, dead or alive, who would you choose?
All dead:
- My grandmother whom I was named after. She died when I was 9. I miss her to this day. She had a positive impact on my life that I will always carry with me.
- My dad
- Our granddaughter who was stillborn – full-term – one year ago on June 7th, 2013.
