I started working at the U. W. Hospital in 1968 after kicking around for two years after graduating high school in 1966. My mother had been an LPN and influenced my decision to apply for a job at U. W. Hospital. At that point in my life, I was ready to earn a consistent paycheck, coupled with my desire to help people.

My first job started on a General Internal Medicine floor as a Nursing Assistant. These duties consisted of preparing patients for early morning tests such as x-rays, EEGs and physicals that were ordered by the patient's physician. In those days patients were kept in the hospital for up to a week for these tests.

I transferred to the Trauma Life Center as a Nursing Assistant/Unit Clerk in 1972. 1 enjoyed working with trauma patients and learned a great deal in the six years that I worked there.  I transferred to the General Surgery clinic in 1978 and worked there for three years.  Then I joined Orthopedics in 1981 and worked the front desk for twelve years.

I took advantage of training that was offered in 1991 through the hospital for the position of Medical Assistant. The convenience of the training allowed me to work and still go to the classes. I have been working as a Medical Assistant since then.

Some of my duties as a Medical Assistant include: Setting charts in "time order" to coincide with patient arrival and sending early patients to x-ray if necessary. I also place new and return patients in rooms, obtain medical histories as necessary, assist with minor procedures, and keep flow of patients to the clinic as consistent as possible.

The job is demanding and focus is important, but at the end of the day I feel a sense of accomplishment for the job I have done.