While growing up, watching her father care for people, Angela Humphreys was in awe. She didn’t know, however, she would one day follow in her father’s (Steve) footsteps.
‘I wasn’t sure what I wanted to be while growing up, so as I got older I guess I just felt it was a good profession for me. I knew I always wanted to help people and make a difference,? she said. ‘I can’t really imagine a better job for me. I just have so much room to grow and I love it, everyday is different and I feel really good about what I do.?
Humphreys works at St. Joseph Mercy Oakland in Pontiac on the Neuroscience floor, which takes care of patients with brain injuries, spinal injuries, strokes, anything dealing with neuroscience, said Humphreys.
The hospital is part of the Michigan Stroke Network, connected with 34 hospitals throughout the state.
While a nurse extern at the hospital during nursing school, Humphreys got sent all over the hospital. While working on the neuroscience floor, she said she met people who would help her in her first year after graduation.
‘I felt good about going to that floor and was excited about new things hospital was doing as far as getting involved in neuro aspect of things,? she said. “It seemed like the right decision for me.?
Humphreys is the June recipient of the Diseases Attacking the Immune System (DAISY) award.
‘I was very honored,? she said. ‘It was very nice, just the whole Daisy Foundation and how they go about doing the award is really neat.’A
The DAISY Foundation was established in 2000 by the Barnes family in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who died from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura at age 33. The DAISY Foundation funds research to help fight diseases of the immune system and supports patients and their families.
Humphreys said everyone on her floor received Cinnabuns because that was Patrick’s favorite thing to give to the nurses. She also was given a statute that comes from a tribe in Zimbabwe. She getting the statutes from the tribes gives the tribe enough to eat and feed their family.
‘The whole award is meaningful,? she said. ‘It’s nice to be recognized from the people that you are caring for everyday in your job.?
She said the award also ‘spoiled her week? because she engaged to her fianc? Andrew North the previous Saturday.
Humphreys grew up in Independence Township, and was a 2001 Clarkston High graduate. While in college she coached Freshman girl’s Soccer for a year and than became the Junior Varsity head coach for two years.
‘Once I graduated and got my first job as registered nurse I no longer was able to coach anymore working 12 hour shift,? she said.
She received her nursing degree from Oakland University and graduated in May 2007.
The best thing about being a nurse says Humphreys is the ‘options are endless.?
‘You really get to interact with people. Its different everyday I never feel like I haven’t done something good when I’m leaving,? she said. ‘I really do love it.?