South Mag South Issue 71 | Page 86

MADISON MADISON TYRAN OCCUPATION: LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE HOMETOWN: EFFINGHAM, GA EMPLOYED: SOUTHCOAST HEALTH EDUCATION: SAVANNAH TECHNICAL COLLEGE Being a nurse entails many things – an inordinate number of which involve getting up and close with some very icky situations. It is no easy position to be in, but in this line of work, heroism and a strong stomach are just part of the job (sometimes simultaneously). As an LPN, Madison Tyran balances those less-than-glamorous moments with the singular joy of her profession - being there for people when nobody else can. “Sometimes patients don’t have any family so we sit with them and spend time with them like they were a part of our family.” KAY KAY WEST OCCUPATION: LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE EMPLOYED: SOUTHCOAST HEALTH HOMETOWN: COVINGTON, GA EDUCATION: DEKALB TECHNICAL COLLEGE Kay West has an important perspective on the role of being a nurse. At age 60, following 40 years of nursing, she realized how important it was to take care of herself and decided to make some major lifestyle choices to eat healthier and exercise more. This is true for everyone, but doubly true for nurses who must lead by example. These days, she loves to work out on a spin bike. She knows how important relaxing is to health, as well, as likes to sit on the porch in the evenings, work in her flower garden, or spend time with her grandchildren. 86 S OUT H M AGA ZI NE.C OM