A Healthy Dose Of Education Provides Career Success For A Dallas Nurse
The health care field in the DFW area is alive and well. As such, nurses are in constant demand to take care of those who have fallen ill. One local nurse reflects on her education and how it has helped her help others ever since.
Kelle McGough had a great relationship with her grandparents and was always a caregiver. She had a strong connection with the elderly and wanted to be more involved so she earned a Bachelor of Science in Gerontology from the University of North Texas. She was a nurse extern while she pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Texas at Arlington.
McGough worked as a registered nurse in the medical surgical unit at Baylor Medical Center of Irving, providing nursing care to patients after surgery. While in nursing school, McGough participated in a management rotation at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas. "I met Julie Balluck; she is a great mentor. She is very encouraging. I knew I could learn lots of things from her and I have. The program and the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) team were great. Even though at the time I was a student, I felt like I was part of their team," said McGough.
McGough moved from a staff nursing position, to a charge nurse role, into a clinical nursing supervisor role for the PACU, then a house supervisor at Texas Health Presbyterian.
She wanted an advanced degree to further her career and decided to pursue an online education that would work with her schedule. She earned a Master's of Science in Nursing from Grand Canyon University.
In her latest role as nurse manager, she is responsible for a 36-bed orthopedic unit.
In regards to going back to school, McGough said, "It is very doable. Some people are intimated to go back because it takes a lot of time, and it does, but with support from your work environment, you can fulfill your dreams."
Robin D. Everson is a native Chicagoan who resides in Dallas, Texas. Her appreciation for art, food, wine, people and places has helped her become a well-respected journalist. A life-long lover of education, Robin seeks to learn and enlighten others about culture. You can find her work at Examiner.com.