Why I Love My Job: Loraine Gary, RN, BSN, OCN

Atlanta, GA, June 25, 2010 – By Laura Raines, AJC

Job: Radiation oncology nurse, Radiotherapy Centers of Georgia, Conyers office.

What I do: “I interview all patients before the doctor sees them, gathering medical information. That way, I get to know my patients personally from the beginning and, when they develop side effects from treatment after two or three weeks, I can answer their questions.”

What got me into this: “Fifteen years ago, I was working as a hospital PRN [as needed], floating to different areas. They asked me to go to Radiology to work with a doctor they said was difficult to work with. We clicked and I’ve been in radiation ever since.

“People say, ‘How can you stand to work with cancer patients all the time?’ But I find it more rewarding than sad. For me, it’s more than treatment; it’s a ministry.”

Best part of the job: “Getting to know my patients and having them trust me to help them through this difficult time in their lives. I see them every day for six to seven weeks, so I get to know them well. Whether they need medical, social or financial assistance, I can refer them to someone that can help.”

Most challenging part of the job: “Seeing the young people come in is the hardest part. I’ve lived quite awhile, and seeing people in their 30s and 40s with cancer is painful for me. I want to make it right for them. When people haven’t done anything to cause it, you just wonder why it happens, and you want to make it as easy on them as possible.”

What people don’t know about my job: “Besides being a nurse for 30 years, I was ordained as a minister five years ago. As an associate minister at Fountain of Faith Missionary Baptist Church in Riverdale, I preach at least once a month and teach Bible study.

“I try not to tell my patients, because I don’t want to push anything on people and some don’t want to hear anything about God. They may be angry and going through a grieving process, or in denial, but if they bring it up, I figure the door is opened and I may be able to help them physically and spiritually. That’s always rewarding.”

What keeps me going: “My patients. I stay busy and some days I’m tired and don’t want to come in, but I know they’re waiting for me. I love to laugh and I love it when I can make them laugh.

“I believe in the Golden Rule — that you treat people like you want to be treated. That means being an advocate for my patients, thinking about them, praying for them and treating them right. It means having the compassion to see what they’re going through and wanting to do something to make it better.”

Preparation needed: “You need to be a registered nurse, and a BSN [Bachelor of Science in nursing] is preferred. Anyone who works in oncology will benefit from becoming certified as an oncology nurse.”

http://www.ajc.com/jobs/why-i-love-my-557628.html