Memorial nurses share why they like their work.
For many Memorial nurses, nursing is their ministry. They accept the challenge of doing all they can to meet the needs of the patient and know at the end of each day that they are making a difference in people's lives.
Georganne Raines, RN
Surgical Services, Memorial Hospital
18 years with Memorial
I joined Memorial's team as a new graduate nurse, a strong training program, a supportive educator, and an excellent orientation helped me feel confident. Today, as a member of the surgical team, I have seen how Memorial continually strives for excellence - in technology, physician expertise, staff training, and organization. We have state-of-the-art equipment available to provide the highest quality care, including an O-arm which provides a 3-D X-ray for spinal surgery. Memorial has grown tremendously over the years, but the strong foundation of training and commitment to patients has not wavered.
The physicians, staff, and management have been very supportive through the years. Memorial's family-friendly work environment has been a special blessing to me as a single mom. My son attended our Child Care Center from five months of age until he entered kindergarten. I was comfortable, knowing that my son's caregivers held to the same mission and values that carried through all areas of Memorial.
Jim Boyle, RN
200 South, Memorial Hospital
3 year with Memorial
I first knew I wanted to be a nurse when I was taking care of my father after a neck injury, but it was 15 years later before I determined that I could do it and got assistance through the Workforce Investment Act. I came to work at Memorial as a nurse tech, and they were wonderful to me. I had worked in a factory mill before, and running a machine is so different from nursing. I really appreciate the great teamwork we have. Everyone helps each other. If we have a special concern about a patient, everyone pulls together to help take care of all the patient needs and the family. We can offer them emotional and religious support, which makes them feel more comfortable. Every day, I have many opportunities to bond with my co-workers and to make a difference in patient and family lives. It is rewarding to take care of someone and develop close intimate relations. You can't find that in many jobs.
Audra Valentaviciene, RN
Unit 2, Memorial Hospital Hixson
6 years with Memorial
Growing up in Lithuania, where 70% of the people are Catholic, I always wanted to be a nun or a nurse. Since I hail from a family of teachers I chose the path of teaching instead, and I have two master's degrees in language. When we moved to the United States and settled on Signal Mountain, I knew it was time to pursue my dream of nursing.
The staff at Memorial North Park is like a family. We are a small community hospital, and we have professional, dedicated staff who enjoy caring for patients and their families. I enjoy the close contact with patients, helping them get better and then watching them go home to the families they love. We have exceptional teamwork, and when times are difficult, management and staff work together to ensure our patients receive the best care.
Bonnie Ley, RN
Case Manager, Memorial Home Health
9 years with Memorial
I've been a nurse for twenty six years and a Memorial associate for seven years. Every year gets better, and I love my job. Memorial allows me the freedom to do what I do best - interact with patients and families. I assess their medical needs and work with their physicians and my co-workers to provide care and teach them about their meds, diet, the disease process, and taking care of themselves or their loved one. But more than that, we develop close relationships and become like part of the family, praying with them and loving them to better health, My associates have the same values I do, and they have become dear friends. This is the perfect place for me.
Tonya Ballard, RN
200 South, Memorial Hospital
3 years with Memorial
At 30, I decided to go back to school and pursue my lifelong goal. I completed the nursing program in four years with a 4.0 GPA and now serve as an RN at Memorial. I love the people I work with, the philosophy of patient care, and the value placed on nurses. Patients choose Memorial not only because of our technology but also because of our patient-centered, personal, caring touch that helps them heal. I experienced the exceptional quality of care at Memorial when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. My coworkers and manager held my hand during that difficult time in my life.
Nurses have a ‘big voice' in this hospital; we influence policies and procedures and have better nurse/patient ratios than in many places. A new RN Residency Program is designed specifically to encourage and follow up with new Memorial nurses.
Search for nursing positions at Memorial.
For more information on nursing opportunities, including tuition reimbursement for full and part-time employees, call the Memorial Recruitment Office at (423) 495-2769.
