Women in Science feature – Shelby Lipe

Name: Shelby Lipe

Title/Position: Family Nurse Practitioner

1. Why did you pursue a career in medicine? I have always thought being a nurse was the best thing ever. They helped people feel better and were So smart!. Each level of nursing I have attained left me craving the next level. I progressed from LPN to ADN, to BSN then to the master’s level.
2. What made you choose your job? Being a Family Nurse Practitioner allows you to have a varied Patient load that keeps you on your toes. You are always learning new, interesting things and seeing a variety of conditions. I am certified to care for patients throughout the life stages so I see both infants up to geriatrics.
3. What do you love most about your job? This job is very rewarding. There is not a day that goes by without someone telling me something positive that lifts my spirits. Either what I prescribed helped or the specialist I referred them to fixed their problem. When I discover very serious problems and get them treatment that allows them more quality time with their loved ones, that is priceless. When you do your job well, there is a lot of positive reinforcement.
4. What would you tell a younger girl who wants to be a doctor, nurse, etc.? You should study and study hard. Be prepared to sacrifice. If you are willing to put in the time and effort to complete your degree and get your license or board certification(sometimes both), you will always be able to find a job, usually one that pays a good living wage. To be a physician, Nurse practitioner, or nurse, you need to have a genuine love of people and a desire to help them. There are so many different areas to work in healthcare, there is bound to be one that you will enjoy.