Meredith Stepka

Dependable professional with excellent organization skills demonstrated through history of managing client daily activities, appointments and medication needs. Well-versed in administering medication and monitoring nutrition. Trusted to oversee patients in challenging medical states.

• I am very dedicated to my family, where I also use my care-giving and nursing skills to help with my grandparents' care, as well as my uncle who has disabilities.
• I'm very artistic. I love to draw, paint, and design anything I can get my hands on! I love to look for the beauty around me, and express myself in lots of intricate detail, and usually a lot of color!

• Certified Pharmacy Technician 2006
• Certified Nurse Aide December 2008
• Licensed Practical Nurse June 2013

I would like to take a moment to share the reasons I love nursing and have pursued patient care throughout my adult life, and why I would love the opportunity to be a part of the Guthrie 6th Floor team. 

I was born and raised in Sayre, Pennsylvania, into a family with plenty of healthcare needs. My grandfather struggled with various cardiac-related issues from the time he was 39, until he passed away almost two years ago. My uncle, who has been a recent patient on the 6th floor, was born with a rare condition called Sterge-Webber Syndrome, a condition that has complicated his life in many ways, but namely, a severe seizure disorder. 

From the time I was very young, my mother taught and guided me to understand that emergency and urgent times meant quick-thinking, quick-response, and action. She also instilled a heart of compassion because of the many challenges my uncle has faced all his life, from the random seizures to social anxiety because his appearance is so different. 

I had originally wanted to pursue some sort of career in the arts after high school. I was accepted to the Art Institute of PIttsburg. I didn't believe I was "cut out" for a career in nursing or medicine, despite my family's history. I was hired at age 19, and trained on-the-job as a Pharmacy Technician at Robert Packer Hospital, in-patient pharmacy. I absolutely loved the different fascets of pharmacy, most espicially organizing and mixing IV medications. 

Because of my experience in pharmacy, the hospital itself was made much less intimidating and I found myself desiring a job in direct patient care. The long and winding road that got me to the point of becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse in 2013, and seeking a position here, comes back to family. As my uncle has been receiving care on 6SW, I have had the privelege to encounter several different team members- care partners, nursing students, nursing apprentices, fellow LPN's and RN's. Every person has shown a love for their patients, appreciation of their teammates, and excellent communication. 

My heart belongs on this team. I want to put my nursing and patient care skills to work with this group of awesome people. They are a credit to Guthrie, truly.