Kari Masterson , Medically Fragile Service & Intake Coordinator, ODDS

I got into the nursing field through wanting to work with children and loving the aspect of improving the health of others. I started as a LPN and have worked my way up to a RN with a Bachelor’s degree.

I think the unique aspect is being able to support and improve children’s lives over a longer period of time and caring for children in the home setting, where you are able to assess, care plan, and advocate for them in their own environment and social structures.

I really like the focus on the family and the client, and that the client drives the plan of care. As a nurse, I can support them to achieve their short- and long-term goals with my nursing process and abilities.

Working in the home setting requires the nurse to be their own advocate and have strong boundaries. For example, a nurse may feel a client is unsafe to lift given a lack of current equipment supports and they need to speak up and advocate for themselves and the client to obtain the proper devices.

I would say being independent in their nursing process and skills, patient, with strong communication and critical thinking abilities.

I currently work as an intake coordinator and RN for the Medically Fragile program. I have also worked as a LTCCN delegation nurse and a direct care nurse in the home.