Tabitha Hager, RN, has worked at Mercy Health – St. Rita’s Medical Center since 2009. After first starting out as a technician, she is now working as a nurse in interventional radiology (IR). In fact, congratulations are due as Tabitha just completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing on April 23, 2022.
“I remember, when I was younger, going to the nursing home with my mom where she worked,” Tabitha shares regarding her calling to nursing. “My mom was a state-tested nurse aide (STNA) and all the people she cared for loved her. When I graduated from high school, I started my STNA schooling and began working in a nursing home. I fell in love with helping people. That’s when I knew I wanted to do more.”
From there, Tabitha began nursing school and got a job at St. Rita’s Medical Center. Most recently, Tabitha was awarded our Called to Shine Core Culture Award for her compassionate patient care.
“Being a STNA from 2008 until 2016 gave me more passion in patient care,” she reveals. “And I love being able to take care of patients in interventional radiology now. It might include holding their hand, talking to them to get their mind distracted, praying and even hugging patients if needed. Working in IR is like my second family.”
When it comes to describing her colleagues, Tabitha doubles down on the family comparison.
“From the other nurses, radiation technicians and doctors, it’s like a huge family,” she says.
As for the most rewarding part about being a nurse? Tabitha says it is simply knowing what you’re doing is making a difference.
Happy Nurses Week! The compassionate care provided by our dedicated nursing professionals is at the core of everything we do at Mercy Health, where nurses mean the world.
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Also, read more stories about our amazing nurses.
