by Vickie Jenkins, Staff Writer

Did you know that detecting lung cancer early could save your life? Lung cancer is the number one leading cause of cancer-related death in America, but now, there’s hope. Screening with a low-dose CT (LDCT) can detect lung cancer early, when it’s more likely to be cured with treatment. -Mercy Hospital, Cancer Resource Center-
One of the highly trained professionals, Paige Chiles, RN, BSN, and OCN works in the Cancer Resource Center as the CT Lung Screening Nurse Navigator. With a bright smile and a bubbly personality, Paige explained why she chose nursing as her profession and how she came about working in oncology. “I love my job here. I got into nursing because I like to help people; I like to get to know the patients and hear their story; after all, that’s what it’s all about! When the patient gets here, they tend to get overwhelmed due to fear. They feel like they are being pulled in many different directions and are scared of the unknown. I consider myself fortunate to be able to talk to the patients, make them feel at ease and help guide them through their time of need,” she replied.
“Now as far as oncology goes, never in my wildest dreams did I think I would land in oncology but God had other plans for me. I always imaged that I would work in OBGYN, helping to deliver babies. I can tell you, I have never delivered a baby,” she said with a laugh. “I felt like God led me to work in oncology and that is where I have worked for twenty-one years.” she said. “I have worked with many of these co-workers for a long time. I like working for Mercy because they really care about their patients. The end goal is getting the patients the best care that can be given,” Paige added.
Paige’s favorite part of her job is when she helps guide the patient through the steps that take place after a suspicious lung module is found – from the beginning visit to the last. “We have had a few patients that were diagnosed with lung cancer after they had a CT lung screening scan and it is very rewarding to be able to guide them through the process. They want to know what the next steps are, who they will see next and where they will go from here. I feel fortunate that I help them through their journey. I end up building friendships because we become close during this process,” Paige commented.
What is special about a LDCT, which is also called a CT Lung Screening? It is a fairly new test that has been approved for patients that have smoked cigarettes who are at high risk for developing lung cancer. “It is quick and painless and can detect lung cancer at an early stage. We are trying to educate patients about LDCT scans. Previously, we would find stage IV lung cancer when it was not curable but with a LDCT, we can find it at an earlier stage when it is curable. I love to hear success stories and I hope to hear that many more success stories and cure that many more patients.”
When asking Paige what she wanted to be when she was a little girl, she replied, “When I was little, I wanted to be a nurse or a teacher. That was because of my grandmother. She had seven kids and she was always nurturing and caring for them and that really stood out to me. I remember thinking how I wanted to be a nurse someday, just like my grandmother! After I became a nurse, there were quite a few nurses that I looked up to and who helped me go even farther. I could ask them anything and they were always there for me, no matter what the situation was.”
How would you describe yourself? “That is so hard to do,” she said with a smile. “Well, people say that I am bubbly, compassionate and a good listener. I am very detail-oriented and I believe in doing everything to the best of my ability, going above and beyond. That is just the way I was brought up,” she replied.
Paige’s hobbies include gardening, decorating (especially for the Christmas season) and the all-time favorite, shopping!
Asking Paige to sum up her life in one word, she said, “It would be, BLESSED.”

BRADFORD VILLAGE HEALTHCARE CENTER

FULL TIME DIRECTOR OF NURSING SERVICES

In conjunction with the Medical Director, the DON ensures that resident care objectives are established and
met and the standards, policies, and procedures of the Department of Nursing Services are consistent with the standards,
policies and procedures of the facility, our Principals of Respect and Statement of Commitment, and current standards of care and practice.
The DON’s job is multifaceted to promote and include a focus on resident’s quality of life issues while ensuring optimal quality of care is delivered to each resident.

Qualifications/Education:
· Oklahoma State RN license required
· 2 years experience in direct resident care preferred.

Please contact: Mary Peacock, Administrator at 405-341-0810

Bradford Village 906 North Blvd Street. Edmond, Oklahoma 73034