Roberts works as a weekend supervisor at the Hillsdale Community Health Center.
Why did you want to become a nurse, and when did you know that you wanted to?
I wanted to make a difference. I know I’ve wanted to be a nurse since I was probably 19 but didn’t become one until I was 30.
What made you want to be a nurse at the Hillsdale Community Health Center?
When I became a nurse, I lived in Hillsdale County. I interviewed at [University of Michigan], but I have little kids. I didn’t want to make that commute and Hillsdale was very competitive with wages and perks. There’s more of a sense of community here. It seemed more as if people really cared about one another here than at U of M. The people there are more of a number than a diagnosis.
What do you like most about working in the emergency room?
How people change so quickly. Someone comes in and they can’t breathe, and in less than an hour, they can breathe. Things happen so fast. You have to be prepared for the worst, and you’re surprised when it doesn’t happen. The OB (obstetrics) is the same thing, you have to be prepared for the worst, and you’re happy when it doesn’t happen.
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve ever seen in your years as a nurse?
There have been a lot of interesting things. I can’t put it down to one thing. Things that stick out in my brain are when someone’s condition is worsening, and it’s getting worse and where they’re maybe going to pass away, just being there makes them feel better. Things that seem so small to you make a big difference to them. But I’ve seen everything. You name it. I’ve seen it. Some things you don’t want to see again. Some things are so hilarious, but I can’t say it because this is such a small community.
What is the biggest challenge you face as a nurse?
Everything is a challenge because every person is so different. We might give the same diagnosis, but every person responds differently to diagnosis and treatment. So that is the biggest challenge; you don’t know what’s going to happen. That’s the biggest challenge, is the unknown with each person.
How excited are you for the new OB wing?
When I worked in the OB, I was really excited. They were going through the development stage and we thought it was going to happen five years ago, but it’s happening now. All the rooms are private. Every room will have its own Jacuzzi and shower, and there’s beautiful tile work. I was excited just knowing they were going to develop something like that. It’s big, and it’s the first thing people see in the community, when they’re going to have a baby. It’s absolutely gorgeous. When you have a baby, you don’t want to share a room with someone else. I know I didn’t. It’s time. I knew they needed to update everything.
-Compiled by Morgan Delp
