Healthlinks Upstate Sept/Oct 2020

48 | www.UpstatePhysiciansSC.com | www.HealthLinksUpstate.com PORSHA DRAYTON, BSN, RN It was Porsha Drayton’s mother who inspired her to pursue a career in nursing. “I grew up watching her care for others, which led me into knowing that I wanted to spend my life caring for others as well,” she explained. She wanted to get as much experience as pos- sible, so when she was in high school, she took health science classes and participated in health science clubs. In her senior year, she received her CNA and worked as an intern at her pedi- atrician’s office. She attended Piedmont Technical College and worked as a nurse ex- tern in her final year. That allowed her to experience all aspects of nurs- ing. Her first job was in the intensive care unit. “I desired a nursing position that allowed me to get to know the pa- tients and their families better,” she said. She received a BSN from Chamberlain University, then started work- ing for Health Related Home Care. “I know this is where I need to be. I am establishing the relationships with patients that I desired, and I have a better understanding of them and what factors into their illnesses and treatments,” she said. She concluded, “If nursing is what you are truly compassionate about, take advantage of all the opportunities to learn and grow.” LYNN MCKITTRICK MCCLURKIN, RN When she was only 5 years old, Lynn McKittrick McClurkin fondly remembers seeing nurses walking into Old Alexandria Hospital in their crisp white uniforms. But what solidified the decision to be a nurse was when she start- ed caring for her grandfather as he fought can- cer when she was 16. She started working in home health in 1991. “Being able to care for people in their homes provides the ability to concentrate on them and only them,” she said. “You meet the most amazing people that teach you things as you teach them. I have a passion for working with older patients because I was raised by my grandparents.” She is now a home health nurse with Health Related Home Care. Her advice to new nurses is to give a little of yourself to your patients. “They will open up more to you. You can learn so much more about patients while carrying on conversations rather than just asking ques- tions,” she said. She concluded, “Some days you will think they don’t pay you enough, but more times you will wonder why you get paid at all to do what you love.” STACY UHRICH, BSN, RN As a child, Stacy Uhrich was always en- amored with the nurses she saw caring for her various relatives. “They were kind and intelligent, and I found myself admiring everything they did for their patients,” she said. Of course, back then, she had no idea about the details of what a nurse actually did. But for her, all that mattered was seeing how much they truly cared for people. “As I got older, nursing was a constant in my life and in my heart. I knew that being a nurse was my purpose,” she said. Uhrich has held various positions over the years in nursing, each being “fulfilling and purposeful” in their own way. She is now the director of the pulmonary/renal unit and inpatient dialy- sis at Bon Secours in Greenville. She credits her first head nurse for instilling a love of nursing and encouraging her proteges to help grow the next generation to pick up that torch. Uhrich concluded, “You truly will need that desire to serve oth- ers in order to get through the tough days that will come during your education and in your nursing practice. Most of all, just want to be a good nurse every day and you will be.” KATIE STRAWHORN, RN, BSN Katie Strawhorn started her nursing ca- reer in labor and delivery at Self Regional Healthcare. After she had her first daughter, she needed a different schedule because she had been working night shifts. She de- cided to give home health a try and applied for a job with Health Related Home Care, and she hasn’t looked back. “I absolutely love home health. Seeing patients in the comfort of their own home is so rewarding. I get to know my patients, their families and their past medical history that led them to their current state of health. That helps you learn your patient as a true ‘whole,’” she explained. For Strawhorn, becoming a nurse was something she wanted to do since she was a teenager. “Nursing school was tough, but the reward at the end has been so worth it. There will always be a need for nursing. There are so many opportunities in the nursing profession. I believe every nurse’s role is equally as important as the other,” she said. T H E P U L S E O N UPSTATE NURSES HealthLinks Upstate wants to recognize nurses as the backbone of our medical community and thank them for all their efforts!