Award: Nurse
Breast cancer survivor Marguerite “Meg” H. Shrader is an advocate and lifeline for breast cancer patients and their families.
Shrader, a breast care navigator at Chesapeake Regional Healthcare for the past 20 years, is a point of contact to ensure seamless care. She helps schedule appointments and tests, educates patients regarding procedures, treatment and side effects and provides emotional support to patients and families.
She knows the importance of having someone with patients every step of the way as she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 and underwent a double mastectomy. Her experience also led her to help raise awareness and funding to help increase access to cancer screening.
Shrader shared career insights with Inside Business.
Why do you do what you do? I went into nursing because I wanted to help people. I had a wonderful team of physicians and nurses when I had breast cancer. They made sure that I understood not only the disease process and treatment options but also supported me emotionally as well. My goal is to provide that experience to my patients as well. We are very fortunate to have excellent surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, reconstructive surgeons, social workers, dietitians, nurses, and lymphedema therapists as part of the team.
What keeps you motivated? Patients and families and the wonderful team that I am a part of. It is very gratifying to help them through an extremely stressful time in their lives.
How do you cope with challenges? I have been a registered nurse for 42 years and have experienced many challenges during my career. You first have to identify the challenge and then look at the best way to resolve it. You have to know your resources and whom to reach out to for assistance.
What are you most proud of? My advocacy work with the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation and my involvement with Bra-ha-ha at Chesapeake Regional. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to lobby for funding and policy changes at both the state and national level for many years with the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation. The Bra-ha-ha program at Chesapeake Regional is extremely important to the Hampton Roads community. Funds raised have provided mammogram and breast care services to women throughout the region, not only at the Jennings Outpatient Center, but through the Mobile Mammogram Unit as well. Chesapeake Regional strives to bring mammograms into our communities to increase access for underserved areas.
How do you measure success? It is very gratifying when patients and their families are well-informed and feel supported. It is great when patients say that all of their questions have been answered and that they feel comfortable and confident with their treatment team.
What lessons have you learned? Every patient and situation is unique. Everyone processes information at their own pace regardless of education level. You have to meet the patient and family where they are in the process. Every patient’s needs are different depending on age, social situation and financial status.
Any advice for those pursuing nursing? Nursing has something for everyone. It is a very demanding and an incredibly rewarding career. You need to commit to lifelong learning as things are always changing. I have been a bedside nurse, nursing administrator, nurse recruiter and IT nurse. I have been a breast cancer nurse navigator for the past 18 years. I have loved each and every experience. Hobbies and outside interests are crucial to provide balance and decrease stress.
