New employee spotlight: Meet Mary-Hamilton Harkins
What is your name and new job title?
My name is Mary-Hamilton Harkins, though I go by Mary, professionally. I am a nurse practitioner in Hematology/Oncology.
What does your new job involve?
My job involves seeing established and new oncology patients alongside the physicians, as well as tending to urgent care needs that may arise within this patient population.
What skills are you most excited to bring to your role here?
I have over 10 years of experience as both an NP and RN in both the acute care and clinic setting, I have worked in a variety of roles in research, in pediatrics, in adult, in oncology, renal, primary care and perioperative setting.
What’s an achievement you are proud of?
I once took a job as a research nurse in pediatric critical care. The physician leading the research took one look at me and said, “You’re not going to be able to do my research, you have no experience in this area.” However, by the time the research project was complete, she was begging me to stay and even wanted to create a job for me to be her personal research nurse.
Can you share a bit about your previous work experience and what you enjoyed most?
I’ve worked a bit everywhere. I did enjoy working in research and using a different part of my brain, but I missed the hands-on experience. I love working with patients to help them through whatever illness or health issue that they’re struggling with and help them to achieve their personal highest level of health both physically and mentally.
What is your favorite karaoke song?
Oh goodness, I don’t think I’ve ever done karaoke before; at best, I make a joyful noise! I try and stay away from singing, especially in public!
What’s your favorite movie or television show and why do you love it?
MASH and Frasier, which I know are both old shows—I’m an old soul. I love MASH, it’s the only medical show that I’ll watch, it’s got it all, humor, drama, great characters; I like the way that both nurses and doctors are respected as equals. Frasier, I love him because he reminds me of my dad and it’s just fun!
What is a unique talent you have that most people do not know about?
I am a poet and I’ve been published and “placed” in statewide poetry competitions.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Either France or Italy
What is your favorite hobby?
Hard to pick a favorite but probably reading; you can go anywhere in the world and do anything at all if you’re a reader.
What is your favorite movie or book and why do you love it?
Les Misérables, the book, hands down! Oh, my goodness, this is the best book ever written, the story, the characters that are woven throughout the book. It has humor and pathos; it makes you think. I’ve read it at least 5-6 times, and each time I get something new out of it.