HEALTH CARE HERO: ‘I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT HELPING THOSE WHO ARE HURTING’
Name: Tricia Blanken
Hometown: Urbana
Job title: Oncology registered nurse
Where do you work? Mercy Health-Springfield Regional Medical Center
Describe what your day is like/what you do: A typical day consists of assessing patients, reviewing lab work and history, administering medication, meeting basic physical and emotional needs of the patient, collaborating with doctors, managers, social workers, therapy, pharmacy, dietitians, techs and families, implementing doctors’ orders, reviewing care plans, monitoring heart rhythms and vital signs, and filling out paperwork.
What inspired you to get into health care? I am passionate about helping those who are hurting and helping people become fully restored. My mother was also a nurse and worked ER for 10 years.
What’s a memorable experience you’ve had in health care? I have been a nurse for 20 years with many memorable experiences and absolutely still enjoy it! The most memorable are those moments where you are able to connect with people’s heart, beyond what they are going through physically, and develop deep trust in their most vulnerable moments. It is a joy and honor to hold their hand as they pass away or to celebrate with them when they are discharged home.
What do you want readers to know about your job right now? I know that now more than ever, it is difficult not to be beside the ones you love when they are hurting. Please know that there are still people that can be entrusted with those you love, that will genuinely give the very best of themselves to care for them. Thank you for your patience as we transition into unknown territory together as a community.