During Women’s History Month, we asked two amazing women about their experience as nurses and how their careers have been shaped by their Adventist faith.
Mindy Tamaleaa, RN, is a certified nurse in supplemental staffing and Patricia Saggia-Thomas, RN, BSN, MBA is a nurse and patient experience leader in the heart and neurovascular department. Both women work as part of the AdventHealth Shawnee Mission team in Kansas City, Kansas.
What inspired you to work in healthcare?
Mindy: My inspiration began in first grade—I always wanted to be a missionary nurse. At nine years old, I had a bad accident resulting in a broken left femur and right ankle. I had two surgeries and could not walk unaided for two years. I’ll never forget a nurse who brightened my days during my hospital visits and made me laugh and encouraged me during a very difficult time.
Patricia: I developed a passion for helping people at a young age while watching my mother, grandmother and older siblings care for our community in Kenya. The healthcare field became a no-brainer as I’d get to do what I love every day.
What’s most rewarding about your work?
Mindy: I can help someone every day. It may be a patient, family member, fellow team member or even a supervisor. Each day, I have an opportunity to impact someone positively.
Patricia: I’d say connecting with patients, the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of others and constantly learning in the field. When you form a relationship with a patient, you’re not only able to treat them more accurately, but you are certain to learn something new. It is incredibly rewarding.
What advice would you give to your younger self or other women wanting to pursue a nursing career?
Mindy: Do not give up when it gets hard or be discouraged when your career is not what you expected. Many areas of nursing can fit your God-given strengths. There is always something to learn. Do not be afraid to try new things. You may surprise yourself with the area you enjoy.
Patricia: Never forget the why in your career—the call to serve. This passion and dedication will get you through hard days. I would also say never stop learning. To be an effective resource for the lives you touch, you must keep your knowledge fresh as the profession and technology continue to grow and expand.
How has your faith played a role in your career as a nurse?
Mindy: At one point, I had doubts about being a nurse. I was going back to school as an adult with four c
hildren and a husband who traveled. God laid on my heart heavily, so I finally agreed to inquire about the program. I remember pulling up to the local college, looking to the sky and saying, “God, you have to make me want this because I cannot make it through this program if I don’t want to do it.” Almost immediately, it felt like I walked through a wall. I had goosebumps all over my body and was filled with an unexplainable desire.
Patricia: The values of my Christian faith, such as patience and acceptance, have allowed me to be a m
ore compassionate and empathetic nurse during trying times. My faith has also given my career a more wholistic approach because I not only focus on an individual’s physical and mental needs, but their spiritual needs as well. Many times, as soon as a patient senses that I am a Christian, they ask me to pray for or with them. Almost immediately, there’s a sense of peace, a calm and a hope that is hard to explain.
To learn more about AdventHealth in Kansas, visit AdventHealthKC.com.
