Lauren Smith

Previously, my husband was stationed in WA, so we were doing long distance since I had my job in Amarillo, TX. After he got his orders to come to San Antonio, we started to prepare for the move, which meant I had to put in my 4 weeks notice to my previous job. I helped him move from WA, he helped me move from Amarillo, and we've been here since late October 2025.

I used this time off as a way to reset from the burn out I faced from my prior job, take care of our puppy, and manage our home, while my husband's been busy in his courses. I have been passively looking for jobs, but knew I wanted to work at BAMC, I just hadn't seen any positions I'd be a match for.

My husband started clinicals with his Combat Flight Paramedic Program recently and started asking his civilian preceptors how they got their jobs at BAMC. One preceptor, Vicente from 4 West, told him about GiaMed. That's when I found the job I applied for.

• Worked on an Oncology and Neurology unit that transitioned to an Oncology and Palliative Care/Hospice unit, with additional experience floating to Orthopedics/Rehab, Medical Surgical, and Cardiology/Telemetry units, as needed.
• Administered blood products, IV, IM, SQ, PO and rectal medications.
• Became proficient in accessing and de-accessing ports, as well as managing and removing central lines (PICC/IJ).
• Implemented infection control measures, enhancing patient safety, especially with neutropenic patients.
• Trained new nursing staff on hospital procedures, policies, and best practices for quality care delivery.
• Served as a preceptor for nursing students during their clinical rotations, providing guidance to foster professional growth.
• Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients' acuity levels and individual needs.
• Provided support for patients' families during difficult medical decisions or end-of-life care.
• Educated patients and families on discharge instructions, medication adherence and wound care, as needed.
• Left this job due to relocation since my husband is Active Duty Army.