Leader of the Pack

by Vickie Jenkins, Staff Writer

Working at AllianceHealth Deaconess Hospital in the Women’s Center, you will find loving and caring nurses. These are the nurses that work in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, taking care of the women and the newborn babies. One outstanding nurse is Tanya Bogan, RN, Nurse Leader.
Tanya was born in Jamaica, living there until she was 9 years old when her parents decided to relocate to the states, moving to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Tanya went to school in Tampa, Florida, graduating from the University of South Florida. She has been a nurse for 16 years and has worked at AllianceHealth Deaconess for 7 years.
Asking Tanya if anyone had an influence on her life throughout the years, she replied, “Ever since I was little, I felt a drawing to be one of three things; an actress, a model or a nurse. I decided to be a nurse because I like helping people. Now, I realize that was the right decision for me. I want to say that my parents were always very encouraging in everything I did. They were always there for me, helping me set goals and push through to the end. I’m so glad they did.”
In Tanya’s opinion, there are several qualities that make a good nurse. “A nurse has to be prepared, having what it takes to care. They have to sacrifice themselves at times. Being a nurse is serving others at all times, even if there are times when challenges get in the way. Being a nurse is a selfless act. It’s not about the money; it’s about touching someone’s life. It’s the helping hand and healing touch. Sometimes, all a patient needs is a person to listen and be there for them. A lot of times, the nurse is the closest person that person has, so we need to be there for them in any way we can.”
When I asked Tanya to describe herself in three words, she replied, “reliable, dependable and goofy at times. In this profession, a nurse has to be responsible. They also need a good sense of humor!” she said with a smile.
Tanya enjoys being a nurse, caring for the women and newborn babies. What is the best part of your job? I ask. “The best part of my job is when it comes time for the delivery. The anticipation of the parents and the expression on their face is full of wonder. They know that their little baby is about to enter the world; the baby that has given the kicks, caused nausea and pain, and now, all rolled together is about to be given life. What a blessing to see God at work! I always tell the parents get ready to meet your tenant, that little someone that has been living with you for all this time. The doctors are wonderful and every birthing experience is miraculous. There is nothing more rewarding to the patient than to see their physician and the nurses have a good rapport. What a celebration!”
Tanya’s hobbies are: “My hobby is spending time with my husband, Art, and my two sons, A.J. 5 years old and Joshua who will be 3 years old next month. I love spending time with my family. Of course, I love traveling too. I try to go back to Jamaica to visit as often as I can. It’s much different than Oklahoma,” she said with a laugh.”
Where do you see yourself 5 years? “To be honest, I have not looked that far ahead. Whatever God’s will is for me. As long as I seek God every day, I know it will be what He has in store for me and it will be awesome!”
What advice would you give to someone going into the medical field? Tanya replied, “The medical field is not for everyone. To be a nurse, they need a passion for life. If you want it bad enough, you will succeed. If you don’t have that passion for others, maybe this job is not the right position for you. My job as a nurse? I love everything about my job, even the challenges; I give all the credit to God.”
If you had one wish of anything in the world, what would it be? “There is so much unrest and chaos in the world. I think we need to restore peace and remember that God is our creator and He is the only one to have power to fix it. I would wish for peace.”