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HASTINGS, Neb. (AP) — Shana Schultz believes things happen for a reason.
Once an aspiring dental assistant, the wife and mother of three of Juniata now directs the Family Care Center/Pediatric Unit at Mary Lanning Healthcare. She was recently recognized by the Nebraska Action Coalition as one of the top 40 nurses under 40 in the state who are making a significant difference. Formed in 2011, the NAC addresses the future of health care in Nebraska through nurse-led collaborative partnerships.
Also receiving the award this year was Joely Goodman, a professor who works on staff as a nurse at Mary Lanning.
"Things have just worked out for me," Schultz said. "When you're a freshman in college, you don't have any idea what you're going to do. I always thought about going to nursing school, and it was a good decision for me.
"After I ended up with a bachelor's in psychology, I looked into the traditional program here and thought I'd graduate in two years. Instead, I qualified for the newly started accelerated nursing program and was one of the first students to complete the program."
A nurse at Mary Lanning since October 2002, she now handles things from an administrative perspective, providing guidance and direction to those under her supervision. On occasion she is able to lend a hand on the floor — something she still enjoys every bit as much as when she first began.
"I still maintain my skills as a neonatal intensive care nurse," she said. "I like to jump in and help. It's a very rewarding job. It's challenging, and it's always changing. And there are so many opportunities in nursing, so you can do just about anything that you want."
In her case, that includes being part of the new baby experience with families under her department's care. That experience continues to be among the most rewarding aspects of her job, she said.
"We're creating new families every day," she said. "We grow families and help them through good times and sometimes bad times. Well babies, sick babies, new moms . it's just working with these families and being side-by-side with these patients."
Having been through the birthing process three times herself, she feels an added level of empathy and understanding as she helps young mothers and fathers through the miraculous process.
"You learn a lot about yourself and a lot about how to take care of these babies differently," she said. "I knew the medical side of it, but you understand that bond a little bit better. It pulls your heartstrings a bit more when you become a mom of your own and can see the joys and sadnesses that happen with other moms, too."
Indeed, being a mother has redefined life as she once knew it, she said. Most of her "free time" these days is devoted to family activities, including youth soccer, softball and basketball games. Even her standing golf date with her husband, Randy, at Southern Hills golf course south of Hastings frequently includes participation by two of their children, ages10 and 8.
"We love to spend time with our kids," she said. "Most of my hobbies are set around my kids right now. Stability is kind of our five-year plan."
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Information from: Hastings Tribune, http://www.hastingstribune.com
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