What Great Lesson Did Jen Teague, RN Learn At Diabetes Camp?

Witty.  Vivacious.  Winsome.  These are just a few of the positive attributes of Jen Teague, RN.  I could list many, many more.  She is a charge nurse at the hospital where I work.  Her big, beautiful smile radiates warmth and sunshine to patients and colleagues.  Unflappable, despite the demands of her stressful position.  My favorite thing about Jen is that she loves to share jokes and laughter.  What a blast it is to work with her!

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JEN TEAGUE, RN

Jen Teague is also a Type 1 Diabetic.  She was diagnosed she was 15 years old.  SHE WAS NOT AT ALL HAPPY WHEN SHE RECEIVED THE NEWS.  “I would have pity parties with myself because I had diabetes.  I did not want to be diabetic. It was so unfair…none of my friends had to deal with a chronic disease.  I felt sad and depressed.”   reminisced Jen.

A major turning point in caring for her disease came when she attended Camp Seale Harris, a diabetes camp in Jackson’s Gap, Alabama.  “I was 16 years old when I went to Camp Seale Harris.  For the first time, I saw that I was not alone in having diabetes.  I got to meet diabetics my own age.  What a relief that was!  I learned I could handle this disease and not be ashamed of the fact that I was diabetic.”

Jen also loved participating in the many activities at Camp Seale Harris…swimming, riding on pontoon boats, canoeing, zip lines, a pizza party, and a teen dance, to name a few.  “There were also a lot of hot-looking guys there!” she gushed.  (Unfortunately, she did not get to kiss any of them!)

The fact that she attended Camp Seale Harris helped me with one of my patients.  “John” (not his real name), a teen diabetic, did not want to attend diabetes camp.  Jen took time out of her busy schedule on the floor to talk to him.  She shared the fact that she had tons of fun at Camp Seale Harris.  Jen is also a very clever nurse.  It was this comment by her that persuaded John to enroll in diabetes camp:  “Hey John” coaxed Jen,  “You know you might meet some cute girls at Camp Seale Harris!”  Thanks to Jen, John went to Camp Seale Harris, had a great time, learned to manage his diabetes, and, yes, met some very cute girls!

Her time spent at Camp Seale Harris was one of the reasons she decided to pursue a career in nursing.  “When my children are older, I hope to return to Camp Seale Harris as a nurse volunteer.”  I know the campers at Camp Seale Harris will love her as much as we do at Marshall Medical Center! 

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