Nurse Practitionar: Mary Heffernan

Mary J. Heffernan, A.R.N.P. works as an Oncology Nurse Practitioner at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance/Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, WA.

How did you choose your career? Was this an easy or hard process for you? If you struggled, how did you overcome these struggles?

My decision to become a nurse was fostered by my father; a physician, who shared his love for medicine with me from the time I was a young girl. I accompanied him on rounds (in the days when such things were possible) and he encouraged me to do my science homework first! Tragically, he died of cancer when I was a teen, but the experience of caring for him and learning from the nurses who helped us through the end of his life, made a lasting impact. The decision to pursue a career in oncology was easy. The work was hard. I chose, from the outset, to work in an oncology research setting. The closest I could come in my first job was to work as a phlebotomist at a Swedish hospital. Obtaining blood samples from patients with cancer became my expertise. The skills I had undoubtedly helped me to land my first job as an R.N. in an oncology research unit, years later.

What kind of training, both formal and informal, did you receive to prepare you for your career? If applicable, how did you select where to attend graduate school? How did you choose your postdoc? How about any additional training? How did you choose what additional training to pursue and how did you choose where to do it?

I was a bit "behind the eight ball" scholastically when it came time to applying to nursing school, having spent my first year of college angry and frustrated over losing my father. I pulled my grades up in community college for an additional year, crossed my fingers and applied to Seattle University. I was initially turned down but found a way to meet the Dean directly and explain that I had a goal. There were no essays accompanying an application, just the numbers. I delivered a verbal essay instead...thankfully, it worked! Graduate school was to come much later after raising my two children and experiencing the joy and challenge of my son's Down Syndrome. Throughout my 22 years as an R.N., I never stopped working and never stopped dreaming of the day I could attend graduate school and pursue my life-long goal of becoming a Nurse Practitioner. The University of Washington was the only program I applied to considering they offered an oncology tract. In addition, I was offered the opportunity to participate in additional training in conducting end-of-life discussions with patients and families. It provided some of the most valuable training I received in graduate school.

How competitive and/or rigorous was the training for your career?

According to the national ratings, the University of Washington School of Nursing rates #1 in nursing schools throughout the United States. I was honored to be chosen to attend!

In general, how much did the training cost? Was the investment worth it?

My graduate program was a worthy investment. I was fortunate to have the money to attend and work part-time throughout my eleven quarters. On average, my tuition was approximately $250 per credit. Many classes were offered on-line which enabled me to continue to work and care for my family.

How long did it take you to train? Was it shorter or longer than anticipated? If you had any setbacks, how did you deal with them?

I completed my training in eleven straight quarters. My mother died during my first quarter which was difficult. In some way, it was helpful to have a focus and goal.

What was the process like to apply for your first job after your training was over? Was it easy or difficult? How did you cope with any difficulties? Did that differ from subsequent jobs you've had?

I recognized that I wanted to remain in cancer research and essentially went after my job! I altered my final quarter of clinical experience to better facilitate the likelihood of obtaining a position. I also turned down other jobs to show I was serious and lastly, I was patient.

What advice would you give to someone interested in following a similar career path?

Aim high from the start. I have only been bored in a job once and I left graciously after a few months. Work in a hospital in any capacity you can (including volunteering) in order to learn if medicine is for you. Find a mentor who loves what they do. I would not be where I am today without mine.

What would you have done differently in preparing for your career?

I honestly don't think I would have changed much of the story. Each job was a building block and provided valuable training, even in the case of the wrong job I once had. It taught me that I was meant to accomplish more.

How much do you like what you do? Why? Is it what you imagined it would be? If not, how have you adapted?

I love what I do. I am an Oncology Nurse Practitioner working in a research institution.

How do you achieve career-life balance? Is this easy or hard to do? How many hours do you typically work per week?

I have a wonderful boss who recognizes the importance of balancing work and family life. I was honest with her at the outset that I could only work part time. I work .6 FTE and currently have cut back a bit during the summer to attend a job with my son in a local food bank.

What strategies have you figured out over time to help you succeed?

Exercise early in the morning. Read everything but the news; you will hear about it anyway. Take the stairs at work. It gives you time to think and it reflects a working attitude to others. Be kind to others, you never know, they may one day be your boss. Do not respond to work email after 6PM. You deserve to have a life.

How do you see your field changing in the next 5–10 years?

I want to teach . . . I love to teach!

Anything else you would like to share?

I am lucky to have found my career path at a time when I was very unlucky. I think my dad would be proud.