Meagan Hanson, a registered nurse at St. Mary’s Healthcare, said on Apr. 8 that starting her nursing career at the hospital has provided a strong foundation for her professional growth.
Hanson’s experience highlights the importance of mentorship and support for new nurses as they begin their careers. She described how experienced nurses welcomed her and offered guidance when she joined after graduating from Fulton-Montgomery Community College.
“When I first came here from Fulton-Montgomery Community College,” Hanson said, “all the nurses here were so great about mentoring me. I remember thinking, ‘Wow, they have all this experience, they have all these responsibilities, and yet they actually want to take me under their wings.’ They wanted me to thrive.”
Hanson started in medical-surgical care before moving into intensive care and continues to explore different nursing roles within St. Mary’s Healthcare. “I’m working with new technologies,” she said. “I’m interacting with highly skilled professionals. And, I’m learning something new each and every day.”
She acknowledged initial fears but noted how quickly she grew in confidence: “But here I am today, just three years out of nursing school, and taking on challenges that I never could have imagined. I remember, early on, one of my patients saying to me, ‘You know Meagan, you’re a really good person. I can really see you going places.’”
Hanson expressed gratitude for finding a supportive environment at St. Mary’s Healthcare where she feels encouraged to advance in her profession.
