Wendy L. Slawson, RN, BSN, Registered Nurse with Topeka Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Get to know Registered Nurse Wendy L. Slawson, who serves patients in Topeka, Kansas.
Ms. Slawson is a registered nurse who is currently serving patients at Topeka Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Topeka, Kansas. The Topeka Veterans Affairs Medical Center provides health care services to veterans in North Eastern Kansas and South Eastern Kansas. Ms. Slawson is proud to take care of veterans who have fought in different wars and who have all come from different walks of life.
Ms. Slawson specializes in drug & alcohol addiction, prevention counseling, and acute psychiatry. Her research interests include behavioral health, mental health/psychiatry, as well as addiction and substance abuse disorders.
Ms. Slawson started out working as a phlebotomist at Stormont Vail HealthCare in 1990. Years later, after having earned her degree and having had already worked at Stormont, she was able to get an LPN job at the Medical Surgical Unit of Stormont Vail Hospital. She also has experience working in the telemetry unit, at a rehab hospital, as well as with hospice patients.
From 2007 until 2014, Ms. Slawon worked in the Acute Psychiatry Unit of the VA Medical Center and became the Night shift charge nurse in 2009. The Unit is for veterans suffering from different types of co-occurring mental illnesses or in need of detoxification from alcohol, and addictive substances, Bipolar, depression, suicidal ideation, anxiety, ADHD, etc. Thereafter, Ms. Slawson began to work in the Center’s Fresh Start Unit as the Night shift charge nurse. The Fresh Start Unit is for veterans who suffer from long term alcohol and substance abuse disorders. It is designed to help provide them with the necessary tools for motivation towards their recovery and to help them avoid triggers that may lead to relapse after the 4 week intensive inpatient program. Each individual that completes the program gets to participate in their own graduation from the Fresh Start program.
Ms. Slawson earned her degree to become a licensed practical nurse from Kaw Area Technical School in 1992. She then went on to earn her Associate’s Degree in Nursing from Manhattan Area Technical College in 2007, followed by her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Oklahoma Wesleyan University in 2012. In addition, Ms. Slawson is certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support.
A registered nurse 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. 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 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.
When asked why she chose a career in nursing, Ms. Slawson said that her mom was a Home Health Aide and a Certified Nursing Assistant whom she used to help out with patients’ care. Ms. Slawson enjoyed it and felt that she had something to offer people in need of help.
Ms. Slawson makes a difference in patients’ lives by being kind, caring, empathetic, and a good listener. She attributes her success to having always wanting to become a nurse, serving and helping others in their time of need. She also attributes her success to continuously improving her nursing skills, teaching others, and making a difference in patients’ lives. Ms. Slawson was born in Topeka, Kansas. Her favorite place to vacation is in Branson, Missouri.
Learn More about Wendy L. Slawson: Through her online profile, https://todaysnurse.org/network/index.php?do=/4143702/info/
