Celebrating Nurses Week

Arizona Nurse,  May 2001  by Celik, Judith,  Treece, Nichola B,  O'Neill, Judith,  Denious, Andie

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AZNA members in their practice during Nurses Week and throughout the year...

My education began many years ago with a nursing diploma from the Massillon City Hospital School of Nursing. Most of my nursing experience is in surgery, but I have worked in ICU, CCU, ED, and physician offices. Because I thought I needed a change from nursing, I chose to obtain a BA in Business from Malone College in North Canton, Ohio. In 1993, I moved from Ohio to El Paso, Texas seeking more sunshine and family contacts. In 1996, 1 completed the Perioperative Plus Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) program associated with Gateway Community College. I liked surgery and assisting, but recognized that I needed more education. The University of Phoenix' bridge program allowed me to enter the MSN program and transfer to the MSN/FNP program when it became available. I haven't decided on my next educational endeavor. Now, I predominately work in the operating room as a first assistant. As a family nurse practitioner, I complete physicals for industry and teach a smoking cessation program. I like the advanced practice role of a family nurse practitioner, and use my basic nursing all the time. I can truly say that I like nursing and what I am doing.

Judith Celik RN MSN FNP CNOR, RNFA

After working 20 plus years as an assistant director in the emergency department of Banner Health System's Desert Samaritan Medical Center, I have recently accepted a new position within Banner as the Training Center Coordinator. I am responsible for BLS, ACLS and PALS training for Banner's Arizona region and will also participate as a member of the Clinical Workforce Development Team in the Innovation and Learning Department of BHS.

Nichola B. Treece RN, BSN, MSN Are you still enthusiastic about nursing? I am. I feel very fortunate in my nursing career to be an Occupational Health Nurse (OHN). A nursing career came to me later than many nurses. When my youngest of four sons started kindergarten, I went to college to complete an Associate Degree in Nursing. My first job after I received my RN license was on a very large construction site and I never looked back. I have worked alone and with a full staff including doctors. I've run clinics that were up to 50 miles away from any hospital and other medical personnel.

While working in industry, I have finished a Bachelor of Science in Health Administration and a Master of Nursing. I am also a Certified Occupation Health Specialist, Certified Pulmonary Function Technician and Hearing Conservation Specialist. I am in ANA, AAOHN, and Sigma Theta Tau.

My career is exciting because I am able to influence the health of America's working population. Promoting a healthy lifestyle impacts the health of the entire family unit and the health of the nation. This is the best part of nursing.

Judith O'Neill RN, MN, COHN-S I am currently the Immunization Action Plan Coordinator for the Arizona Immunization Program, Arizona Department of Health Services-the job I have enjoyed most in my 36 year nursing career. It has allowed me to travel the entire state and meet the public health nurses and staff who do a phenomenal job providing services and serving as advocates for the health of the citizens of Arizona. I never cease to be amazed at the efforts and ingenuity of nurses, the expanse and varied climates and spectacular beauty of Arizona!

Before coming to the Immunization Program, I held positions with the Department of Economic Security and the Community Health Services (CHS) Clinic, which is administered by the ASU College of Nursing. I had just completed the graduate program at ASU when I was hired by Ellamae Branstetter, PhD, to work under the grant she had been awarded to establish a "Nurse Managed Clinic." To see what CHS has become today under the leadership of Elizabeth Holman gives me great pride since I had an early part in it. The fact that I completed the graduate program was due in great part of Dr. Branstetter who taught my first graduate class called, "Origins of Human Development." It was and still is the best, most in depth, and enjoyable class I have ever taken. It provided much of the motivation for me to continue.

To stay abreast of the ever changing world of nursing, and to be able to contribute whatever and wherever I can, I am a member of the American Nurses Association; the Arizona Nurses Association, where I have served on the Continuing Education Approval Committee for the past eight years; the Arizona Public Health Association, Community Health Nursing; Sigma Theta Tau, where I have served as a Recording Secretary and Archivist; and currently Editor of the "ASU Nurse Alumni" newsletter. My educational background includes a BS from Columbia University and an MS in Nursing Administration from Arizona State University. I have been certified in Nursing Administration by ANCC since 1992.

Nursing has not only provided me with great opportunities, valuable skills, and wonderful experiences, but also with lifelong friends and an invaluable peer network.