MAS would like to introduce you to one of our Veteran Registered Nurses, Tracey Dorian. Tracey is a Field Pediatric Coordinator at MAS Home Care in Maine and has been with us for over two years now. Tracey took some time to tell us about her career as a Field Pediatric Coordinator.

Describe how you started as a Pediatric Nurse.

I have always loved infants and children, I have known since I was a small child that I wanted to work in the medical field with them. After graduating from college I entered the Army and was given an amazing opportunity to start my new nursing career in maternal child health. I went on to become a Labor and Delivery nurse for 15 years! I knew I didn’t want to limit my skills and career to just this aspect of nursing so I transitioned to working for MAS a little more than two years ago.

What is the most rewarding and challenging part of your job?

As a Direct Care Nurse, I take care of a little girl whose abilities are extremely limited and I have come to know her so well that I can celebrate even the smallest moments that might otherwise go unnoticed by an untrained observer. Even though she is incapable of speaking words, I can see in her eyes the gratitude for the respect and care that I provide for her. As a Field Pediatric Care Coordinator, I have come to know so many amazing families and caregivers all over the state. I am blessed to have the opportunity to go to the homes and schools of children. These children and their families have taught me as much about care, compassion, and sacrifice as they have reinforced my nursing skills. I consider it an honor to be allowed to become some part of the lives of these families who already have so much on their plates.

The most challenging part of my job is recognizing the deficits in equipment needs or needs for increased services and not being able to change it. There are families who are in desperate need for nursing services (PSS, CNA, or RN) so that their child might attend school, or so that a parent can go back into the work field to contribute a meaningful income to their family to be present at a sporting event for another child in the home.

What is a typical day like on the job for you?

As a Direct home nursing care with a child, over time, feels a bit like coming home. When I am not with my client I think of her frequently, I brainstorm about what I can do differently to help expand her abilities and help make her mom’s life easier. I arrive to assist my client’s mom in getting her ready for school, we ride in a wheelchair van to her school for special needs. Here I care for my client with enteral feedings, medication administration, assessments and generally whatever I can do to help the teachers & Ed techs help my client. When we get home after school we will go for a walk on nice days or snuggle and read books, watch movies, paint nails and I will give her massages.

What advice do you have for students looking to get into the Nursing field?

I would tell you that you are a student for life. Home Care to many may seem like a transition towards retirement from nursing, however, there are so many opportunities for learning vital nursing skills, the most important of which, I believe to be compassion. Home Care can be a great stand-alone career or in addition to as well as the hours are flexible and the clients are amazing!

What made you decide to work with MAS Home Care?

I had a unique situation in that I had worked with Melissa, our Director of Nursing for a decade prior to transitioning into homecare. I knew that Melissa has the most positive attitude and great work ethic. At the time I joined the MAS team I knew that there was much room for growth and recognized a great opportunity for all aspects of my career. I have not been disappointed, Melissa has proven to be the best boss I have ever had. I have worked closely with her in helping to rebuild a company with a mission that I am truly proud to be part of. We care about our clients and their families first and foremost and this is reflected in the comments and voices echoed from our families.

Any other talking points you would like to make?

Working with children with special needs has, in part, inspired me to become a Licensed Massage Therapist and I quickly went on to become one of just a few Certified Pediatric Massage Therapists in the State of Maine. I have specialized training as an LMT/CPMT with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other Pervasive Development Disorders. For me, my career is just beginning as I see the needs are so great for so many. The opportunity exists for so much more. I intend to continue to find a way to make a difference in the lives of each child and their family. Thank you, Melissa Johnston and MAS for believing in my nursing skills and giving me the most amazing opportunities!

Thank you for all of your hard work, Tracey. Your dedication to your clients and the dedication to your craft makes you one of the best. We are so honored to have you on our team.