Barbara J. Gallagher, RN, Registered Nurse (retired)

Get to know Registered Nurse Barbara J. Gallagher, who served patients in Scotrun, Pennsylvania.

Barbara is a registered nurse (RN) who is retired from practice.

During her active years in the field of nursing, Barbara’s areas of specialization included hospice care, home care, oncology, and gerontology. Hospice care is a type of care and philosophy of care that focuses on the palliation of a chronically ill, terminally ill or seriously ill patient’s pain and symptoms, and attending to their emotional and spiritual needs. Home care is supportive care provided in the home. Oncology is a branch of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. Gerontology is the study of the social, cultural, psychological, cognitive, and biological aspects of ageing.

While working as a nurse, Barbara’s boss at the home care agency promoted her to Director of Nursing for her efficiency, hard work, and attention to detail.

Barbara earned her nursing degree (RN) from Somerset County College. She also received her nursing degree (LPN) from Warren County Technical School.

When asked why she chose a career in nursing, Barbara said that she had always wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. She knew that in order to be successful in her profession, having compassion and empathy was very important. For this reason, she strived to instill her belief in the younger nurses she came in contact with when she was working.

Barbara paid close attention to her patients and listened to what they and their families had to say. She also continued to learn throughout her career in healthcare. Even after 30 years in the field, Barbara still feels that nursing is the best profession in the world.

Barbara attributes her success to her mother, who encouraged and inspired her. While Barbara was attending nursing school, she was also busy working and raising four children. However, it was her mother who told her to push forward and to never give up. While at Somerset County College, Barbara made the Dean’s List and her mother proudly framed the letter attesting to that honor.

A registered nurse (RN) is a nurse who has graduated from a nursing program and met the requirements outlined by a country, state, province or similar licensing body to obtain a nursing license. RNs fulfill a variety of job duties. In addition to the primary role in treating and caring for patients, their responsibilities also include educating patients and the public about a variety of medical conditions, as well as providing emotional support and advice to the families of their patients. Other RN job functions include performing diagnostic tests and analyzing results, operating medical equipment, administering medications, recording patients’ symptoms and medical histories, and assisting with patient rehabilitation and follow-up.

In her spare time, Barbara enjoys writing poetry and painting. Since retiring, she has taken courses in painting, working with acrylics, oils, and watercolor. She has also had her poetry published.

Barbara has been married to her husband, a wonderful and caring man, for over 52 years.

Learn More about Barbara J. Gallagher:

Through her online profile, https://todaysnurse.org/network/index.php?do=/4143441/info/