Roundup Record Tribune & Winnett Times -

Megan Griffith, RN, BSN

I was born and raised in an incredible community in Central Montana of about 300 people, who all treated each other like family and supported each other through many happy events but also through a few tragedies that occurred. It was during these tragedies in high school that I decided to become not only a nurse, but a nurse who was passionate about providing support to rural patients and families in whatever way I could.

First and foremost, I feel like I get to spend a considerable amount of time with my patients and their families, whether that be providing hands on care, educating, sharing tears and laughs or just listening.

I enjoy overcoming the challenges and barriers my rural patients face and seeing how something that once seemed impossible can become possible. Dealing with a lack of resources is frustrating, but it has pushed me to creatively think about all the options for my patients. Rural healthcare has pushed me to be a patient advocate first every single day, especially as the healthcare system becomes more difficult to navigate.

Knowing the faces and names of all the patients that walk through the clinic doors and call me each day has been a truly humbling experience. It is this that makes me want to come to work every day – I get to witness firsthand all the impacts that my co-workers and I make as rural caregivers both inside and outside of work, and that is truly rewarding.