And life comes full circle

Jessica O’Clair certainly believes that life comes full circle.

Jessica, one of our new summer nursing internship students, was the first baby born at CCMH in 1993, to Teresa and George O’Clair. Her newborn nurse, Marcia Knutson, RN, Maternal Child, recognized some unusual heart sounds, and it was later determined that Jessica had a congenital heart defect, which required surgery. The defect was successfully repaired, and Jessica, now 21, is in her fourth year of the baccalaureate nursing program at Regis University in Denver, Colo.

Jessica’s mom, Teresa worked as a registered dietitian at CCMH, and grandmother, Baerbel Merrill led the Education (now Professional Development) and Infection Prevention department for many years.

Jessica’s decision to become a nurse was based on her experience as a patient, even though she doesn’t remember the surgery.

“The doctors and nurses that took care of me are heroes, they saved my life,” said Jessica. “To be able to help someone like that would be phenomenal.”

While Jessica was working through the orientation process for her internship, she had a chance to meet with Marcia in the Maternal Child Unit.

“I was shocked and surprised to see her,” said Marcia. “It will be fun to get to see her working at CCMH.”

Marcia has seen many newborns in her 41-year nursing career. She’s planning to move to an on-call position this fall to spend more time with her husband.

Jessica hasn’t decided on her nursing specialty yet, but thinks it may be pediatrics.

We think that would be completely appropriate.