MU Health Care nurse Kaleeagh Thomas journey to treating patients in the neurosciences intensive care unit began as a child in the Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago. She helped care for her great-grandmother and aunt as they dealt with serious illnesses.<\/p>\n
Helping my great-grandmother and aunt when they were sick made me aware that working in health care was my calling, she said.<\/p>\n
After working as an ICU nurse in her home country for eight years, Thomas wanted to further her career and follow her calling overseas. She signed a contract with a placement agency, hoping to become a nurse in the United States.<\/p>\n
She did her research and selected MU Health Care as her top choice.<\/p>\n
I wanted a hospital and a place to live that would be family inclined, good for me, my husband and our son, she said.<\/p>\n
Thomas moved to Columbia in December 2020, and her husband and their 10-year-old son followed her in March. Her husband found work as an electrician and her son quickly adapted to a new environment. Thomas said the family likes the peaceful atmosphere in Columbia and enjoys exploring the areas many trails.<\/p>\n
At MU Health Cares University Hospital, Thomas cares for people with serious brain and spinal cord conditions. The unit practices nurse-led multidisciplinary rounds with neuro intensivists, physicians assistants, advanced practice registered nurses, neurosciences pharmacists, registered nurses and respiratory therapists collaborating to provide the best care.<\/p>\n
Thomas said her favorite part of the job is interacting with patients.<\/p>\n
Getting to know patients and making them feel comfortable is one of the best parts of this job, she said. I've been in situations where I've been uncomfortable, and I can relate to that feeling.<\/p>\n
Thomas said she hopes to continue working for MU Health Care beyond her current two-year commitment. MU Health Care offers employee tuition discounts, and Thomas plans to take advantage of that benefit to further her education and skills so she can become a family nurse practitioner.<\/p>\n
Staying in Columbia also would mean making a home in a place the family has come to enjoy.<\/p>\n
What I can say about Missouri is that the people are warm and welcoming, she said. I could say that for sure, and I really do appreciate that.<\/p>\n
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Nurse Follows Her Calling from the Caribbean to Missouri - muhealth.org<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" MU Health Care nurse Kaleeagh Thomas journey to treating patients in the neurosciences intensive care unit began as a child in the Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago. Continue reading