After many years, LPN enjoys being a nurse as much as ever.
Story and photo by Vickie Jenkins, staff writer
Sleep disorders are prevalent and most people will encounter some sleep issues during their lifetime. At Imes Sleep Services, they manage all aspects of patient’s’ sleep evaluations, including pretesting assessments. When you arrive, their friendly staff will welcome you, and Bonnie Imes, LPN will escort you to your room. She will check you in to review your paper work, and discuss
the specific sleep problem you’re facing, such as insomnia.
You will find Bonnie has extended nursing experience. She has been a nurse for 46 years, having graduated from Cedar Rapids in Worthington, Iowa. She moved to Oklahoma City in 1982, where her first job as a nurse was at Baptist Medical Center in the post-coronary care unit, and then the critical care cardiac unit. She has been working with sleep issues for about 15 years.
Some of their sleep services include diagnosis and treatment by sleep medicine specialists for a wide range of sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy and sleep apnea. These sleep services can help one achieve a better night’s rest through consultations, home sleep testing, treatments of all sleep disorders, affordable CPAP and BiPAP machines for current patients.
When asked what she wanted to be as a little girl, Bonnie smiled and said, “A nun, but that didn’t work out very well,” she explained, “I grew up in a Catholic community and shared a room with my sister. I wanted my own room so I decided to become a nun,” she laughed. Growing up in the country, there were no other children around, so I took care of all the animals that came to our farm. Whenever they were hurt, I knew I had to ‘fix them.’ My mother told me she knew I would grow up to be a nurse when I was only four years old since I had a caring heart.”
Bonnie stays busy with her daily duties, checking patients in, taking their vitals, and reviewing their medications. She then sits down with each patient to discuss their issues, ensuring the visit is never rushed. “Between Dr. Imes and myself, we thoroughly review all medications and dosages to avoid any potential interactions with other prescriptions. Every medication is carefully charted with close attention to detail,” Bonnie noted. “A lot of time is spent educating the patient.”
When asked what qualities make a good nurse, Bonnie replied, “I think a good nurse needs to be a great listener; that’s so important in the medical field. A nurse also needs to be pay close attention to detail. Lastly, but certainly not least, a nurse needs genuine care and concern for the patient.”
Bonnie’s strength’s as a nurse undoubtedly lies in her extensive experience. ‘I’ve been a nurse for so many years, and I still like it as much as when I started,” she said. “In fact, I like it a little more than before,” she said with a smile.
“What is your favorite thing about being a nurse?” I asked Bonnie.”I’m sure I have the typical answer that every other nurse gives,” she replied. “I like helping people and I also appreciate that I am making a difference in someone’s life. I think my favorite thing about being a nurse is the pride I feel in my profession. There’s a certain feeling of fulfillment when a patient gives me a kind word or a simple thank-you that reassures me I’m doing something right.”
Asking what advice she would give to someone wanting to go into the medical field, Bonnie replied, “Don’t settle for just one area of nursing. Try out different specialties in nursing. There are so many different paths to explore, so if you don’t like one, try another. The field offers numerous job opportunities just waiting to be discovered. You will know the right fit when it comes along.”
When not working, Bonnie likes to spend time with her husband, Dr. Norman Imes. They both enjoy working out every morning before heading to the office. Their favorite companion is their Pomeranian, Maltese, mix, ‘Pearl’ who serves as a support canine and brightens everyone’s day by joining them at the office every morning.
For more information about Imes Sleep Services visit https://imessleepservices.com.
