Kim Geurink has worked as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah for seven years. “I love taking care of patients in the surgery department,” said Geurink. “Perioperative (periop) care is different from my previous work at a nursing home, but it’s very fulfilling. Sometimes I’m the first person they see when they come in. Most people are a little nervous. Any kind of surgery can be scary, so I try to make them feel comfortable.”
Geurink remembers a young mom who came in for a biopsy and was really scared. “As I helped to prep her for her procedure, I knew she also needed someone to listen to her story,” said Geurink. “I took time to make her feel comfortable and to ease her fears. It’s such a good feeling to know that you can make a small difference in someone’s life.”
CNAs at ThedaCare can often stay with patients throughout their stay in the surgery center. “We float back and forth in periop,” she continued. “I enjoy seeing patients through the process from start to finish. The doctors rely on us to make sure patients are ready for their procedures. We know that we’re all here for one purpose: to make sure every patient has a wonderful experience at ThedaCare. It’s a great place to work.”
She said the camaraderie doesn’t end when her shift is done. “Everyone gets along really well,” Geurink continued. “We often get together outside of work. It’s such a gift to be around people you enjoy.”
ThedaCare is hiring surgical CNAs like Kim, and other perioperative roles team members.
