Operating Room Nurses

Jennifer Oliver

Jennifer Oliver

   

Jennifer in the OR

This is Jennifer’s third mission to Xela with MOST. Jennifer is one of the Teams Operating Room nurses.  She has worked for 8 ½ years in OR at the U of I Hospitals, but is currently working at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City as a Clinical Informatics Specialist.

Jennifer is married with two sons.  She says. “It is important to give back. We have so much, so it’s the least I can do.  The group is dynamic and fun which makes every moment worth it.  Last and most important these families are so wonderful.  Their love for their children is amazing.”        

Thank You Jennifer for joining us again.

 Jody Meyer

Jody Meyer

Jody Observing Surgery

  

Jody says, “I have been an operating room nurse for almost 23 years.  I love it!  This is my 5^th MOST Mission.  I love to help people and I love to work hard. These missions are so rewarding.  Seeing the gratefulness of the parents is one of the best things I’ve ever experienced. Guatemala is full of such wonderful people.  It is a pleasure to return here year after year.”   

At home in Iowa Jody likes to bike and swim in her spare time.  She has been married to a fantastic man for 27 years.  They have 2 daughters who are both in college.

Last September Jody opened a B&B in her home.  She hopes to make this a full time profession once my kids are out of college. 

Thank you Jody, for being the lead OR nurse this year on Iowa MOST.  

Sandy Kessler

Sandy Kessler

Sandy, left, Assisting Surgery

Sandy became a nurse in 2005 at the UIHC.  Sandy says, “I love OR nursing and having the opportunity to work with surgeons and anesthesia staff, as well as coming on this mission.” Currently Sandy works in OR at the Veterans Hospitals in Iowa City. Sandy is enjoying seeing many of the same staff as when she worked at UIHC.

To Sandy, “The mission trip is all that I expected it to be and more!  I am very thankful to be part of such a wonderful team –making such a life changing impact on so many children and their families.”

Sandy, thanks for all your help.

Kallie DeWall

Kallie DeWall

Kallie Assisting Surgery

Kallie began nursing in 2004 in the Otolaryngology team at the UIHC.  Currently she is an OR nurse at Allen Hospital in Cedar Falls, IA. This is Kallie’s first MOST Mission.  She says, “I am so happy to have the opportunity to be a part of this organization. I have always wanted to take part in a medical mission.  I first learned of the Iowa City Rotary/Iowa MOST project through Pat Wehrle when I worked with her in the U of I Operating room.  I have always heard nothing but possible experiences from the people who participate.  I have learned an immense amount of information about organizing a medical mission and how important it is to work with what supplies you have, even if the resources are limited.”

Kallie,thank you for joining us.   

Terri Cody

Terri Cody

Terri has been an OR nurse for 22 years and at the U of I Dept of Neurosurgery for 19 years. Terri said, “I was encouraged to participate in the MOST trip to Guatemala by Pat Wehrle and Diane Miller.  This year I am privileged to be a part of the team.  It is an experience that is beyond anything I imagined.  The love that radiates from our team to the patients and their families is given right back to us.  It is amazing to see the concern and care that everyone on the team gives to the Guatemalan people.  It comes naturally!!  And we have been the recipients of much love in return from them.  This whole experience has been life-changing for me.  I am so thankful for this opportunity! Thank you Rotarians, and all the great people who went to Guatemala.”

Thank you Terri, for sharing of yourself.