Second Career Brings Double Rewards
While a high school student, Chrissy Kellgren began working as a receptionist and file clerk for a doctor’s office and has worked in health care ever since. After high school, she worked at North Kansas City Hospital as a unit secretary and decided to cross train as a nurse assistant. Next, she earned her LPN at Sanford-Brown College with the help of student loans and working weekend shifts in the hospital’s ER.
 Chrissy Kellgren |
After completing her LPN, she was hired to work in the oncology unit, where she fell in love with the patients and their families. People may think working in oncology would be depressing, but Chrissy finds forming bonds and helping families and patients cope rewarding.
When Chrissy was ready to move forward with her career, she enrolled in a Penn Valley Community College program for LPNs seeking to advance to an R.N. with an associate degree. The hospital offered a professional advancement program that paid for her classes and books while she worked weekend shifts.
Chrissy currently works at both North Kansas City Hospital and Liberty Hospital. She likes the variety and the mental and physical challenges. Chrissy’s current duties include starting IVs, medications and chemotherapy; drawing blood; charting patients’ records; comforting patients; and teaching patients. One day, Chrissy would like to return to school and earn her bachelor’s degree in nursing, gain experience in intensive care and train as a certified nurse anesthetist.
As a single mom with two children, Chrissy says, “It was tough to finish school, but it was well worth it, and I am glad that I did. Nursing is a good career for me. By working nights, I am away from my kids while they sleep and I am home to get everyone off to school before I go to sleep. I am able to spend time with them. And, we’ve been able to take some great trips this year, including Disneyland.”
###
