Some people fulfill career ambitions they have from childhood. Others suddenly embark on a new career path as the result of life-changing experience or after meeting an inspiring personality.
Such was the case of Rebecca Turner of New Philadelphia, who underwent an echocardiogram test at Union Hospital in 2008. Three years later she is professionally employed as a technician doing the very same testing she underwent here three years ago.
The interesting twist to the story for Turner is that she is now working side by side the Union Hospital employee, Linda Conkle of Strasburg, whose approach to her job and her patients made a huge impression on Turner when she was a patient.
?She was very professional,? recalled Turner. ?I was impressed with her expertise and skill and her interaction with me as a patient and the way she explained the procedure to me.?
After having the echocardiogram test at Union Hospital in 2008 Turner moved to Florida seeking employment but was frustrated by job prospects. She decided to go back to school.
?Because I had undergone an echocardiogram and had such a positive experience in the process, I decided that I would like to study cardiac ultrasound,? she explained.
Turner applied to and was accepted into the American Institute School of Health Careers and last year earned her degree in cardiac ultrasound. Within a few months, Turner moved back to her hometown and was accepted into Union Hospital?s mentorship program, which provides training for licensure in the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
Turner was introduced to Conkle during her indoctrination in the program. At first, the women didn?t recognize each other.
?I had forgotten what she looked like, and, of course, I didn?t know her name back then,? said Turner.
Finally, it clicked. Turner realized Conkle had been her inspiration. The connection has been gratifying for Conkle.
?It felt good to know that I had encouraged someone to seek a career in my field,? said Conkle, who worked closely with her prot?g?, teaching her how to use state-of-the-art equipment and software programs while helping her meet her educational requirements.
When Turner completed her mentorship, the two women remained in touch. Turner ultimately obtained her license and when technician position opened up at Union Hospital she applied and was hired.
Three years ago Rebecca Turner of New Philadelphia (left)
was a patient of Linda Conkle of Strasburg (right) for
heart testing. Today they are colleagues in the Cardiology
Department of Union Hospital.
