CLAUDETTE PALMER FEYONEISHA MCGRATH
Ms. Palmer is a beautiful, vivacious person. She is known to her coworkers as the “fashion nurse�.
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native of the island of jamaica, Claudette Palmer came to the United States as a teenager on a visiting visa. In hopes of getting her piece of the American dream, she did not return home. She stayed with relative until she was able to afford a place of her own. She did what ever job was availabe to her, baby sitting, home and office cleaning in Manhattan, the Bronx and even New Jersey. Many years and hard work later, here she is.
FM: What made you FM: Have you seen this FM: What is your most decide to speak with me supervisor since you memorable experience today? became a nurse? as a nurse? CP: I was a student at CP: No, but I sure would one point in my life so I love to. am delighted to help. FM: Did you always FM: How long have you want to be a nurse? been a nurse? CP: Actually no, CP: I have been a initially I was enrolled nurse for 8 years and in teachers college. I I absolutely love my love children and I love profession. the idea of teaching, I still teach on a daily FM: Is there anything in basis just not children. particular that inspired Patient teaching is a you to become a nurse? very important part of nursing. A good nurse CP: Yes. The death of my knows that if their sister in 1998 prompted patient is not properly my interest in the area. educated, reaching the She died relatively goal of optimal health young and I feel like if is farfetched. we had known certain things then, we would FM: Do you think have tried to live a teaching would have healthier lifestyle. been this fulfilling to you? FM: How was the journey to become a CP: I don’t know, maybe nurse? in my next life I will try to do both. CP: Challenging, because I was working FM: What is a typical part time as a CNA day in the life of a and I had a horrible registered nurse like? supervisor who told me to quit school if I know CP: A typical day that I am not able to depends on what is manage both. I’m glad going on with your she told me that though patients. If there is no because it became a one experiencing any very motivating factor kind of distress, then as I was determined to my day solely about show her that I could doing paper work. pull off both school and work.
CP: Lol… I have so many. The one thing that I absolutely love is the look on my patients’ faces in the evenings when I walk in and greet them with a big smile. In spite of the fact that many of them don’t speak English, their facial expressions tell me that they are very happy to see me. Some will hold my hand; others will hug me, or give me a kiss on the cheek. FM: Why are you called the ‘fashion nurse?’ CP: Lol... my make up. My eyeshadow typically matches my the color of or one of the colors on my top. I only wear printed tops and a complementary solid pants. unlike your regular white shoes, my shoe also matches my top. I know, this sounds a bit much but I love to look beautiful. FM: Since you work in a long term care facility, how is the emotional aspect of it all? CP: It can become very emotional. You see these people for five days out of the week, you grow attached to them,
and one day you are struggling to save their lives. It is very difficult not to be affected by that, they are not just another chart number. They are real people with family and friends just like you and me. I had a patient, James was his name, he absolutely loved burgers but it is not a part of his meal plan. One day on my way to work, I stopped for coffee at McDonald’s and figured why not just get him a tiny little burger. I went to work and did my round as usual, greeted him and handed him the bag, he was so happy, he held my hand and kissed them, he said “oh I love you, thank you”. He spent the next five minutes and every day after thanking me just for a burger, the tiny details are what make the difference. I was devastated when he passed away late last year. I was heartbroken; I went to his funeral to pay my final respects because that is what you do. FM: With the whole nursing and technology thing, how has that been working out for you? CP: Great. The only way to be current is to evolve with the time.
Medicine, treatment and nursing strategies are evolving ever so often so yes , I do keep up with the evolution in nursing. FM: What would you say to an aspiring nurse? CP: Don’t stop, don’t delay, don’t quit. The world need nurses, good nurses. It will be challanging, but if it what you want stay focused. Do not enter nursing for the wrong reasons - the money is not the best reason to become a nurse, your heart need to be in it in order for you to have the compassion. FM: Thank you very much for speaking with me. It is very inspiring to see that after eight years you are still very entusiastic about what you do. CP: You’re so welcome.
Feyoneisha McGrath, junior in Adelphi’s School of Nursing. Graduating class of 2017