Long-time nurse and senior director of clinical operations for otolaryngology, Stacy Jansen shares what’s most exciting about her work here and the new love in her life.
How long have you been at Washington University?
In July, I celebrated 14 years with the Department of Otolaryngology. I was originally hired as nurse manager for the department’s new clinic in the Center for Advanced Medicine. Pediatrics had been my specialty for 25 years and I actually thought I was applying for a position in the pediatric clinic. After meeting Dr. Chole, I decided to make the change to the adult side.
What do you like most about your work here?
I really love being part of the med school’s three part mission of education, research, and patient care. We’re all in the middle of it every day and it’s exciting! There’s never a dull moment around here, that’s for sure.
Is there a particular highlight to your career here?
Watching this department grow has been the most impressive thing so far. It’s become quite an exhausting venture, but a wonderful experience nonetheless. When I first started, the department had four clinic sites. Now there are nine!
What influenced you to become a nurse?
During a high school career day, a hospital lab tech came to speak. I was all set to become a high school English teacher until I saw her white lab coat and listened to her describe the science behind the technology.
I entered college as a lab sciences major and found a job in the local hospital as the early morning phlebotomist and assistant to the lab technicians. It didn’t take very long for me to realize the real action was upstairs taking care of patients. I would quickly learn my favorite part of the job was at the bedside. During that time, I did garner a reputation as a damn good phlebotomist, which later translated into a perfect skill set for starting IVs on babies and small children.
I switched to a nursing major at the end of my first semester and graduated with a bachelor’s in nursing from Kansas University. I have absolutely no regrets; it’s been a terrific career.
What spare time activity brings you the most joy?
Prior to May 25 of this year, I really enjoyed being left alone to read a good book while traveling by train. On that date, my granddaughter Freya, my very first grandchild, was born. Now my greatest love is traveling every month to Austin to see that adorable, incredibly intelligent baby. Still with a good book. And still hoping to be left alone on the plane.
What television series are you most likely to be caught indulging in?
Most recently, I am indulging in, and really loving, Only Murders in the Building, with Steve Martin and Martin Short, on Hulu.
What would most surprise your colleagues to learn about you?
Hmmm, maybe that I played the clarinet for 11 years and even won a few awards. I played through high school and college and received highest ratings at state and national performances. I played in both jazz and marching bands – yes, I was that much of a band nerd.