Mason Galemore
Contributing Writer
mgalemore@murraystate.edu

Healthcare providers have always shown their compassion and commitment towards their patients, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. During Women’s History Month, Murray State has paid tribute to women in nursing.

On Thursday, March 25, the School of Nursing and Health Professions held a virtual event over Zoom to talk about women in healthcare. The event’s speakers were alumni as well as staff members and students from the School of Nursing and Health.

The event was moderated by Bachelors of Science in Nursing Program Director Dana Todd and the Dean of the School of Nursing Dina Byers. Byers explained some of the challenges women face in the world of healthcare.

“Some documented challenges that women in healthcare face include stressful working environments, work-life balance, and physically demanding job expectations,”  Byers said. “Providing safe, quality healthcare to patients and their families demands that healthcare professionals be able to make decisions rapidly and be physically present to support their needs.” 

The speakers were Murray State alumni Mary James, Master’s of Science in Nursing, Lakeshia Yarbrough, MSN, registered nurse, and Amber DuVentree, MSN. Each speaker told their stories and gave insight to what it is like to be a nurse. 

James spoke first, and said she gained confidence during nursing school because her mentors pushed her to do her job even when she was nervous. She also had to learn to navigate the tough and competitive world of nursing.

As a woman in healthcare during a time when sexism in the workplace was common, James faced scrutiny from her bosses. She struggled to get past that scrutiny and continued to work.

James said those years were tough and she was emotionally exhausted. However, she persisted, and after years of hard work she was able to gain the respect of her superiors.

Alumna of the School of Nursing and Health Lakeshia Yarbrough, BSN, RN, also spoke at the event. Yarbrough explained why she wanted to become a nurse. 

“During my undergraduate career, I was inspired by my professors’ expertise to the point it made me want to learn,” Yarbrough said. “It inspired me to further my career.”

Yarabrough said because of the encouragement and knowledge her professors provided, she eventually wants to become a professor of nursing. 

The presentation ended with each speaker explaining what nursing students should do to prepare for the world of healthcare.

“Self care is important,” Yarbrough said. “Nurses have to take care of themselves so they can take care of their patients. Nurses also need to check their family matters and personal life and not let it interfere with their work.” 

James also gave advice at the end of the presentation. James said that nursing students should give back whenever they can and should serve on mission trips.

“Go to third world countries, it gives you a whole new perspective,” James said. “It makes you use your education and you have to be creative in those kinds of places. do what you love. If you love nursing, working with patients, or if you love doing what you do, you will never work a day in your life.”