by: Cassie Mueller, RN, MSN, PCCN

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Nursing had a profound effect on me at the age of 10 when my dad was diagnosed with cancer. My family was very close, and we found this diagnosis would change our lives forever. We traveled to several hospitals in various locations attempting to find the best treatment for him. This is when I quickly realized the difference a nurse could make.

One nurse, in particular, had an impact on me through her ability to see past my dad’s terminal diagnosis. She got to know my dad as a person and us as his family. She would laugh and joke with us, especially after she found out we were basketball fans. I grew up a Tar Heel fan, and she shared that she had played basketball for NC State. It became a joke for us to give each other a hard time about sports. When she was on shift, my dad and I would wear our UNC sweatshirts. She would smile and laugh. It was in those few minutes that the feelings of anxiety and being scared went away.

When this nurse found out how much I liked basketball she took the time on her day off to come play basketball with me. This was a sport that I had grown up playing with my dad, and it helped a lot to be able to break away from the hospital setting and just play basketball. It was from that time on that I knew I wanted to be a nurse.

Unfortunately, the treatment and medications did not alter my dad’s outcome. He lost his battle with cancer two years later. However, the compassion of this nurse made a difference for our entire family. I set my career path on nursing and never changed my course. My dream of becoming a nurse is now a reality, and I love every minute that I spend in this profession.

I spent six years caring for patients at the bedside and became certified in my specialty. My passion for clinical nursing has never changed, but I found myself wanting to help more people. I decided to go back to school to get my MSN and transitioned to nursing management. I cannot imagine doing anything else. I now have the privilege of caring for patients and supporting clinical nurses every day at Greenville Health System. We see people many times on what may be the scariest day of their life. The compassion shown during these times can shape someone’s life forever.

I will never forget what a difference it makes when you look past a condition or diagnosis and get to know that person and their family. This is my personal goal for every patient. I enjoy getting to know patients and learning what is important to them. It is these connections that make a difference. Nursing is my calling, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity I have to make a positive impact on others.