Little does anyone know when they respond to a question with an affirmative "yes," how it will affect the future. I said yes to a scholarship to attend the Graduate Program at the Decker School of Nursing, and existence as I know it has not been the same since. I was asked to share the impact that the Decker School of Nursing has had on my life.
Dr. Terry Grabo, APRN, BC, FNP, Director of the Graduate Nursing Programs at the Decker School, taught us that in our first year employed in the role of an NP, there will be challenges. The foremost: Taking the information that was learned and applying it in our clinical practice.
In July 2008, I started working full time as a Geriatric Nurse Practitioner, with a collaborating physician, for a faith based company in the Myrtle Beach, SC, area called Agape Senior.1 Not only was the transition difficult to make as an NP, but also relocating to a busy region noted for its tourism was ultimately easier said than done.
Agape Senior operates two assisted living facilities with a total census of approximately 100 residents in what is called the Grand Strand, in Myrtle Beach. One facility in Murrell's Inlet and the other in Conway are cities in close proximity to Myrtle Beach; I cover both seeing 200 plus residents a month. On call 24/7 for changes or concerns in the residents' conditions, I am the first line of communication for our Medical Director, Dr. Henry Saunders, MD.
On the Conway campus, within the next month, we will be opening the only certified Hospice House in Horry County, a 12-bed skilled nursing unit for terminally ill patients and their families. Also, a 40-bed Nursing Rehabilitation Transitional Care Unit and a 20-bed Skilled Nursing Care Unit are being prepared for occupancy. Currently, there is a 32-bed Dementia unit also on the Conway campus. A grand opening on March 17 will celebrate newly built Villa apartments also on the Conway campus. These villas are intended for seniors who need assistance but are fairly independent. The "embraced" concept is viewed as a wholly integrated health system where a senior can live independently, and receive the continuity of care needed in the later stages of life until death.
Fellow colleagues, I am so proud to be an alumna from the DSON. In February, I was awarded the Employee of the Year for the Agape Senior Primary Medical Care Services. What a surprise! It is the greatest reward to be recognized for your service and dedication, especially when making major transitions and experiencing growing pains.
I am thankful to Dr. Grabo, Dr. Joyce Ferrario, and the faculty of the Graduate Program who fully prepared me for my role as an NP. I grow daily in knowledge and patience. Not only do I love what I do, but I can enjoy the mild weather, the sunshine, and most of all, the beach! Be prepared for just about anything after you answer a question with a simple three-letter-word. "Yes" has changed my life.
1Agape headquarters is located in Columbia, SC. The company is "for profit." Any profit made is given away by the Agape Senior Foundation. Last year over $1,000,000 was given away to elderly residents to pay for their housing with Agape, including room, food, and medications. The company owns other ancillary services such as a pharmacy, DME equipment, real estate, and an insurance company. The Agape Senior Foundation mission is to share God's love, and provide for the needs of the most needy, our elderly.
