Nursing with Heart in the Northwoods
9/12/2023
Julie Christensen, Aspirus Registered Nurse and Nursing Supervisor
In the heart of Women
in Medicine Month, we proudly shine a spotlight on exceptional women who have
made their mark in the health care field. Among these remarkable individuals is
Julie Christensen, a dedicated registered nurse and nursing supervisor at Aspirus
Health.
"I wanted to be a
nurse ever since I was little," Julie shares. Growing up in an environment
where both her parents were nurses, Julie's connection to health care was
deeply ingrained. "I always had the health care field in my blood, I guess
you could say," she reflects. “I always wanted to help people, and nursing
was the best fit for that.”
Her journey began as a
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at Howard Young Medical Center while she was
still in high school. This foundational experience laid the groundwork for her
future in nursing, allowing her to witness firsthand the compassionate and
skilled care that patients deserve.
As she progressed
through her education and training, her passion for nursing only intensified.
Julie's impact has
been particularly felt during her 12-year tenure at Aspirus Eagle River
Hospital (AERH). Her journey has taken her from this hospital to public health
and back again, underlining her unwavering commitment to the well-being of her
patients. "I knew I had to come back to the hospital. Caring for patients
and being part of their healing process was really important to me," she
shares.
Reflecting on the
unique qualities that women bring to the health care sector, Julie highlights
the nurturing aspect that often comes naturally to many women. "I think
women tend to offer more of that motherly feeling to patients when they're sick
and not feeling well," she notes. While acknowledging that men can also
possess these qualities, Julie emphasizes the special warmth and empathy that
women can infuse into their caregiving roles.
Another vital aspect
of Julie’s approach to nursing is communication.
"Communication is
huge," she emphasizes. Whether liaising with colleagues, superiors or
patients, Julie recognizes the importance of transparency and effective
dialogue. This commitment to communication not only ensures the best possible
care for patients but also fosters trust and collaboration within the health
care team.
A career in nursing is
not without challenges, though. Julie acknowledges the difficulty of finding a
work-life balance, a struggle many medical professionals face. Her approach
involves setting clear boundaries and prioritizing quality time with her family.
Julie's career has
been characterized by a steadfast commitment to growth. "You learn
something new every day," she remarks. Reflecting on her own journey,
Julie offers valuable advice to aspiring nurses: "just keep going. Keep
learning and have good communication with everyone around you."
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