One of the things we hear repeatedly from UAMS Health nurses is that the things that make working at UAMS so different from any other health care facility are the learning opportunities, the clinical ladder and the colleagues who so quickly become like family. UAMS is so big and diverse that everyone can find “their people.”
Some of my longest, best friends are my UAMS colleagues, and across our hospital and clinics you’ll find co-workers who spend weekends together, have kids who play together and families who go to church together. The bonds we make here at work often extend far beyond the walls of UAMS.
Friendships often start with just one little thing in common, especially when you enter an unfamiliar setting such as a new school, college or a new job. Something as little as seeing a person wearing the same shoes as those you’re wearing or overhearing them order your special coffee concoction can be the start of a lasting friendship.
I feel like all the changes of COVID and the long months of isolation and masking have made these work friendships a bit harder for nurses who have joined UAMS in the past couple of years. Beginning this week, we will feature a short profile of a member of our nursing leadership team. They will each include information about their career, their family, and favorite hobbies or foods in the hopes that knowing more about each other will help our nursing team build stronger relationships.
For example, until I read her full list of profile responses, I didn’t realize Madeleine Robinson and I are both such big fans of Target. But, then, who can resist a quick Target run? There’s nothing like going in for one thing and coming home with a new set of bathroom accessories. Not to mention that cute top and the tiny little jar of Nutella. (Don’t forget this is tax-free weekend!)
I hope these profiles will inspire you to create a bulletin board, taco Tuesday potlucks, bowling nights, a texting group or other ways to create community in your work team. Working with people you know, like and enjoy being around makes life so much more enjoyable.
Please take a minute to learn more about Madeleine and feel free to reach out to her or any of the future profiled employees if you find a new connection. If you also have a three-year-old bestie and are looking for places to explore together in Central Arkansas, I bet she’s got some good ideas to share.
Beat this August heat by grabbing some UAMS friends to chill a bit before school gets in full gear.
Don’t forget to Click here to send me an email to share your thoughts.
Trenda
Favorite healthy food: I love all vegetables
Mountains or beach: Beach
Football or Basketball: Musicals
Dream job as a high schooler: Laabor and Delivery nurse
Where would you go if you had $25 and an hour: A coffee shop with my husband – or Target, depending on whether he’s available or not
Madeleine Robinson, BSN, RN, RNC-OB, grew up in Amherst, Mass., and has been at UAMS for 10 years. She started her career here as a Labor and Delivery RN and is now service line director for ambulatory Women and Infants Service Line.
“I will always remember the patients experiencing loss that I cared for in Labor and Delivery,” she said. “Those were some of the hardest, but most rewarding, nights. Being able to be there with and for a person or a family experiencing the devastating loss of a baby was truly an honor and a privilege, and one I did not take lightly.
“I love being able to help people – but more than that, making people feel seen and cared for, even if/when they are at their lowest. I want patients to know that I honor and respect their lived experiences, and my expectation for our staff is that they do as well.”
Madeleine has a husband, a 15-year-old step-daughter, and a dog. She says she is also extremely close with her sister, her brother-in-law, and her 3-year-old nephew, who she (somewhat jokingly) refers to as her best friend.