Page 4 - Medical Career Connections

4K MEDICAL CAREER CONNECTIONS ADVERTISING FEATURE
SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 2016 • ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE
CHI ST.VINCENT
CAREER
PROFILE
Sharon Garner
Radiologic technologist
Jefferson Regional Medical Center
Pine Bluff
Q: What made you decide to become a radiologic technologist?
A: At the age of 14, I was a candy striper volunteer in the radiology department. It was then I knew I wanted to work in the medical field, specifically the radiology department. This early volunteer experience cultivated in me a love to help people.
Q: How long have you been a radiologic technologist? A: I started working at Jefferson Regional Medical Center in 1983, 32 years ago, at the age of 19. I have been employed by JRMC as a radiologic technologist since that time.
Q: What is the most rewarding part of your career? A: I perform 3-D mammography, as well as diagnostic imaging studies. As a result of these imaging exams, I get to assist in the diagnosis of my patients, which is
most rewarding. I also love to hear patients say, “Oh, my, you’ve been here a long time.” It warms my heart to be in service to others and to provide that service through JRMC, which has been a wonderful place to live out my long career.
Q: What advice would you give someone who is considering your career field?
A: Be compassionate to your patients: Talk to them, be kind, show you care, get to know them, because many times, you will see them again. I love all my patients that pass through JRMC.
Q: Who in your career field inspires you?
A: The radiologists I have worked and currently work with — they have taught me many things, confidence being the greatest.
Q: What is your work schedule?
A: I work 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. I am scheduled on the early shift to perform necessary equipment tests prior to imaging patients. Once the schedule of patients begins, I rotate performing mammograms and various diagnostic imaging studies.
At today’s CHI St. Vincent, the hospi- tal offers a blend of tradition and forward thinking. As a hospital, it focuses on its ministry, and its staff is encouraged by its spiritual heritage. Many of the nurses call CHI St. Vincent their home and see their team as family.
As the hospital’s staff looks forward, its leadership has established an em- powering environment for CHI St. Vin- cent nurses where professional devel- opment is encouraged and supported. CHI St. Vincent is focused on placing its resources in the most important place
possible: at the bedside in support of its patients.
Nurses who interview at CHI St. Vin- cent have the opportunity to meet the team with whom they will be working. Peer interviewing allows the staff to ac- complish two goals: to make sure CHI St. Vincent is right for its prospective employees and to make sure the unit, where they will work, is the right fit. The staff wants new employees to succeed in their careers. Working in the right environment and with the right team essential are factors at CHI St. Vincent.