photo by: Fall Bishop/LMH Health
Sisters Rebecca Stockton, left, and Jen Lemus, right, both work at LMH Health.
For sisters Jen Lemus and Rebecca Stockton, nursing is something that runs through their blood.
“My mother, sister and five aunts are all nurses,” Lemus said. “I started out as a teacher at Cordley and Sunflower Elementary Schools, but by chance I was drawn to nursing as well.”
She began her career at LMH Health 20 years ago as a patient care technician. She worked her way up the ranks as a nurse and now works as the Emergency Department Director.
“When I came to LMH, Joan Harvey interviewed me and told me that if I did an internship here while I was getting my degree at Washburn, she would consider me as a new graduate nurse,” Lemus said. “That’s how I got my foot in the door.”
Stockton worked in the healthcare industry for several years, starting as a certified nursing assistant and then as a licensed practical nurse. She has been a registered nurse for 28 years.
Most of Stockton’s career was spent as a dialysis nurse, including time spent traveling between 18 dialysis centers in different states.
“Jen kept talking about LMH and how wonderful it was, and I wanted to work in the community and close to home,” Stockton said. “She loved it and I wanted to be here. It’s fun to work in the same place.”
Stockton started working at LMH Health eight years ago and now works as a clinical nursing manager in the endoscopy center. She loves working in the outpatient department and the variety of patients she sees.
“We take care of patients who are receiving infusions on the treatment and intervention center floor,” she said. “I love the procedural part of our work in endoscopy, and I also work with the pain management team. It’s a great environment.”
Although they weren’t close growing up as sisters, both agree that being able to see each other at work every day is something they look forward to.
“We check in on each other and meet up for lunch when we can. I love being able to see each other in the hallway or stop by Rebecca’s office just to say hello,” Lemus said.
Why work at LMH Health?
You don’t always get the chance to work for the same organization as a sibling, but these sisters say they love having that opportunity at LMH Health.
“I advocate family before education and work,” Lemus said. “When you see your family at work, you know they’re doing well and they’re safe. And when you’re happier, you get more work done.”
Stockton loves the size of the health care system and its community spirit.
“Any place where I can work with my family is nice. It’s a bonus to have Jen with me,” she said.
LMH Health is not only a great place to work, it is also a place the sisters trust to provide their health care.
“I’m at the age where it’s time for me to have a colonoscopy. Even though I know I can go anywhere to get it done, I know these people and I know I’ll get great care at LMH Health. The good thing is I can have my sister with me for support and to walk me home,” Stockton said.
Lemus agreed.
“Everyone at LMH Health is here to take care of you,” she said. “We have a family spirit here and we can show it.”
— Autumn Bishop is a marketing manager and content strategist at LMH Health, sponsor of the Lawrence Journal-World’s health section.
