Four Nurses, Four Questions, Four Insights into the Minds of Essential Nurses
By PAMELA Z. HASKINS
”Nurses are there when the last breath is taken, and nurses are there when the first breath is taken. Although it is more enjoyable to celebrate the birth, it is just as important to comfort in death.” - Christine Belle, RN
In celebration of one of the most indispensable healthcare professions, and in honor of Nurse’s Week in May, we gathered four special Memphis nurses to talk about how they got there, the work they are doing and what keeps them going.
It’s comforting to have a good nurse around during any health issue – whether you are having a baby or fighting cancer. Here’s to these four Memphis nurses, Kristen Duncan, Tiffany Edwards, Wendy Mink and Kathy Youngblood. We thank nurses everywhere for your dedication and care.
Kristen Duncan, MSN, WHNP
Current practice: Women’s Health Practitioner, Memphis Obstetrics & Gynecological Association, PC
Where were you born and raised? Arcadia, Missouri
Where did you attend college and nursing school? Southeast Missouri State University (BSN); University of South Alabama (MSN- WHNP)
What are your parents’ names and what were their occupations?
Gail Woods- Bank VP, Randy Woods- Father- drywall/painting
When did you first decide that you wanted to be a nurse? Was there anyone special who inspired you along the way?
I think I have wanted to be a nurse since I was about five. I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at that time. Hospitals and medical clinics were very normal and common places for me for several years. Just like you want to be a teacher when you are in elementary school because it's familiar, I think nursing became that for me. I do remember being so intrigued with a bone marrow aspiration that I asked to go to the lab to follow the specimen, and my doctor let me do so. Two of the nurses I was closest to during treatment, Karen Imperial and Pat Codden were inspirational to the type of nurse and compassionate care I strive to emulate for those who are or have ever been in my care. Both were smart, thorough but patient care and comfort were above all. There was truly never a time that I questioned wanting to be in the medical field, no outside careers were of interest to me.
Of all the medical specialties, what made you decide to go into Women’s Health?
My freshman year of college, my sister gave birth to my first nephew. My brother-in-law and I were her support people from induction to delivery. The nurse that labored my sister was well seasoned, such a good coach, provided her and her family with such amazing care. That was my first moment of "THIS is my place." I worked in Labor/Delivery for 7 years before finishing my master's in Women's Health. I loved my experience at the bedside, but becoming a Women's Health NP has expanded my role in patient care. This area is special to me because of the care I am able to provide for my patients. For those intimidated by coming to the office, breast/pelvic exam experience, or simply sharing what may be going on with them currently, I want this area to be comfortable for patients of all backgrounds, levels of knowledge, and all walks of life. Women's Health is truly the comprehensive care of a woman throughout every stage of her life.
What skills and/or personal traits allow you to help your patients the most?
I feel like I am approachable and thorough. I want patients to be able to discuss anything with me, this development of rapport is of utmost importance. I do my best to listen, review concerns and make my patients feel like an active participant in their plan of care.
What are the most challenging things about being a Women’s Health Practitioner?
Women can be intimidated by this appointment experience. It's an intimate exam and as women, I think we are quick to care for others and neglect our own care at the cost of that. Something that is so exciting and challenging at the same time is the care for the Perimenopausal experience. For the first time, women are voicing concerns and wanting treatment so that they can feel like their best selves. As evolving research reshapes this frontier, it challenges us as providers to continually expand our knowledge and refine our care to better serve a population that rightfully expects more than we have historically delivered. The field of Women's Health is continually advancing in its approaches, treatments and models of care – making both challenging and deeply rewarding.
Tiffany Edwards, MSN, RN
Current practice: Director of Nursing, West Cancer Center & Research Institute
Where were you born and raised? Born in Memphis, grew up in Arlington, Tennessee
Where did you attend college and nursing school? Union University for undergraduate, University of Alabama for graduate school
When did you first decide that you wanted to be a nurse? Was there anyone special who inspired you along the way?
Heading into undergrad, I initially planned to pursue a career in law. However, on move-in day, I was unexpectedly hospitalized and required an emergency appendectomy. The care I received during that experience completely changed my perspective. My nurse, Carla, made a lasting impression through her compassion and attentiveness. Her care not only supported me during a difficult time but also inspired me to pursue nursing and provide that same level of care to others.
Of all the medical specialties, what made you decide to go into Oncology?
I was drawn to oncology because it combines complex, ever-evolving clinical care with the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with patients and their families. Managing cancer care requires a high level of critical thinking, attention to detail, and coordination, which I find both challenging and rewarding. At the same time, being able to support patients through some of their most difficult moments—and celebrating their victories—makes the work incredibly meaningful to me.
How do nursing interventions influence treatment success in cancer patients?
In outpatient oncology, nursing interventions are essential to keeping patients on track with complex treatment regimens while managing side effects outside the hospital setting. Nurses play a key role in patient education, symptom management, and early identification of complications, which helps prevent treatment delays or hospitalizations. As a Director of Nursing, that impact expands through leadership—by ensuring evidence-based protocols are in place, supporting staff education, and fostering strong care coordination. Creating a culture of proactive, patient-centered care improves adherence, safety, and overall treatment outcomes.
What keeps you in the challenging space of oncology nursing?
What keeps me in oncology is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on both the patient and team level. It’s a complex, demanding specialty, but that complexity drives growth and continuous learning. As a leader, I’m also motivated by supporting my team, helping them navigate challenges, preventing burnout, and ensuring they can provide the highest level of care. That combination of purpose, challenge, and impact is what keeps me in this space.
Wendy Mink, BSN, MSN
Current practice: Family Nurse Practitioner, McDonald Murrmann Center for Wellness & Health
Where were you born and raised? I was born in Memphis and lived there until age five, when we moved to Iuka, Mississippi, where I lived the rest of my childhood.
Where did you attend college and nursing school? I obtained my BSN from Baptist College of Health Sciences in Memphis, Tennessee. I obtained my MSN from Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, Michigan.
What are your parents’ names and what were their occupations? My parents are Louis and Lynette Ferguson. My dad is the owner of both L & S Boat Storage & Sales and Millcreek Marina in Iuka, Mississippi. My mom built a career in banking while also working with dad in the family business.
When did you first decide that you wanted to be a nurse? Was there anyone special who inspired you along the way?
Since before entering high school, I knew I wanted to be a pediatrician or a pediatric nurse. My sophomore year of high school, I was required to do a career research project. I initially started to look into both careers, but the flexibility of being able to work in so many different specialties and settings as nurse was appealing to me, so I completed my project on nursing and never looked back. While in nursing school I worked as nurse intern on a cardiac medicine unit while in nursing school. I worked alongside so many great nurses who mentored and inspired me. Upon graduation from nursing school, I stayed on that unit with nurses and patients I had grown to love and never ended up working exclusively in pediatrics.
Of all the medical specialties, what made you decide to go into Women’s Health?
I never planned to work in Women’s Health, until my WH clinical rotation. I quickly realized that this was a specialty that gives you so many opportunities to educate and treat women of all ages and stages of life. More importantly, this is a specialty that needs providers who are willing to listen and care for their patients. I felt that Women’s Health was a field I could work and truly make a difference in the lives of my patients.
What skills and/or personal traits allow you to help your patients the most?
Active listening and compassion. So many times in women’s health, patients do not feel heard or cared about. They often feel dismissed. Taking time to listen to them and letting them know you care about their issues goes a long way in gaining their trust.
What are the most challenging things about being a Women’s Health Practitioner?
Pregnancy loss and infertility are hands-down the most challenging part of my career. It’s news that it never gets easier to deliver to a patient. Seeing the defeat and sadness of my patients is heartbreaking.
Katherine Youngblood, MS, BSN CPN CPHON WCC
Current practice: Oncology nurse, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Where were you born and raised? I was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma and raised all over the world as my father was in the military.
Where did you attend college and nursing school?
I attended Harding University where I received my Bachelor of Science in Nursing, I also attended the University of Memphis where I earned a Master of Science in Instructional Curriculum and Leadership with an emphasis in Instructional Design.
What are your parents’ names and what were their occupations?
Carl Youngblood and Julia Youngblood. My father was career military, and my mother did a little of everything, editor, photographer, transcriptionist.
When did you first decide that you wanted to be a nurse? Was there anyone special who inspired you along the way?
I went to college as an accounting major and it took a semester of classes to realize it was not for me. One evening a friend with Type 1 Diabetes had a hypoglycemic episode and the dorm’s resident assistant, who was a nursing major, was incredible. While the rest of us were wringing our hands she stepped in and got her set to rights. It was impressive and I started thinking about nursing as a viable alternative. Three and a half years later (1984) I was a nurse and have never looked back.
I have been fortunate over the years to have worked with many nurses who set high standards for nursing care and were willing to share their knowledge and wisdom. As a young nurse I watched, I listened and I learned. I asked questions and adapted my practice to meet the high standards of care now rooted in me. I am thankful for their presence in my life every single day.
Of all the medical specialties, what made you decide to go into Oncology?
It was a bit of a fluke really. I had been working in Atlanta as a surgery nurse for a few years and wanted to explore other opportunities. While visiting a friend in Memphis I met a friend of his who was a nurse at St Jude. At that time St Jude was hiring so we decided to meet. Of course, she talked about the benefits and perks available within the institution but mostly she talked about the children and the work being done. There is a significant incidence of cancer in my family and the fact that research was being translated into practice piqued my interest. So, I set up a meeting with their nurse recruiter. I didn’t know if oncology would be for me, so I gave myself two years to figure it out. At the five-year mark I was fully invested. Still learning and making a difference.
In what ways do nursing interventions influence treatment success in cancer patients?
Nursing interventions are grounded in patient advocacy. It’s the first thing we learn in nursing school, and it drives everything we do. Whether we are carrying out the tangible “hard” skills or employing the equally important “soft skills” the underlying motivation is always “How can I best support and protect my patient? What do they want or need? Are they being heard?”
Oncology nurses are fierce advocates. It allows us to develop meaningful, respectful relationships with our patients and families. In turn, these relationships give them a safe space where dignity, open communication, and self-determination can flourish. Whether the outcome of care is cure or a peaceful transition, advocating for the patient with dignity and respect always contributes to success in the oncology world.
What keeps you in the challenging space of oncology nursing?
Two things:
- Lifelong learning - St Jude offers a variety of roles within and outside the clinical practice setting. This has allowed me to challenge myself, continue to improve my nursing practice, and support other nurses in their growth as pediatric hematology/oncology nurses.
- Making a difference - In my nearly 40 years at St Jude there have been significant changes and successes in the treatment of childhood cancer. New science and technologies allowing better diagnostics, new agents that treat with more precision, and better drugs for treating side effects of chemotherapy have all contributed to increased survival rates and better quality of life for the pediatric/oncology population. As a specialty and a profession, we are constantly moving forward. Yes, it can be heartbreaking, but when I see a patient 15 or 20 years after treatment doing well, I know I made a difference.
