Maire Blankenship, Faculty – WKU School of Nursing, Oncology Nurse practitioner at Graves Gilbert Clinic, is passionate about providing care for oncology patients as they navigate a cancer diagnosis. “When they hear that they have cancer, their world is thrown upside down. It is so important that they understand their diagnosis, what their options are for treatment, and ways that they can keep themselves healthy during treatment. Education is such a key role in any new diagnosis. Medical advancements have been huge in this area. Cancer was once thought of as a disease with little chance to live, and it is now considered a chronic disease that can be managed with a variety of medications. I am equally as passionate about helping nurses to become nurse practitioners. Academics is a profession where you are always learning and sharing ideas. There is no greater antiaging medicine than to sit with a group of creative individuals discussing the latest research on something you are interested in,” Maire says.
Maire’s husband, Ray, has been her greatest influence. “He has always believed in me and helped me to realize my dreams, especially when I felt there were too many other things to do. When I decided to go back to school to get my masters at 44 and my doctorate at 47, he kept our kids and our house going and helped keep me sane. I would feel overwhelmed working a 12 hour day at the hospital and coming in to do homework or take a test. He would remind me, the only way to eat the elephant is one bite at a time. I could manage anything if I knew what was expected and broke it into manageable bites.”
Maire adds, “Our children are our greatest accomplishments. They are young adults who are starting their professional careers. They have strong work ethics and are figuring out the adult world. Two are on their own and one is finishing graduate school. The best times are when they all come home and we sit around and just talk. “
Maire’s best advice includes - “You are responsible for your own happiness” (Her family mantra!) and “The only way to eat the elephant is one bite at a time.” Maire says, “Some lessons in my life are ongoing. Establishing and continuing good habits helps to achieve the goals we choose. Atomic Habits – by James Clear is a great book that breaks down the ways to break bad habits, steps to make good habits, and create repeated habits that get results.”
Maire feels that one of the biggest obstacles to overcome is that as mothers, we may place our children, families, work responsibilities and social responsibilities above our own needs. “Caring for all of the people in our lives takes a lot of energy. We can better care for those we love if we take care of ourselves first.”
The restrictions of the pandemic have allowed Maire to be more creative. “I have always loved crafts but felt that was BC (before children). I received a Cricut as a birthday gift and can’t wait to jump in and learn more about how to use it. I have had it for several months and think I am a little intimidated by it. I look forward to when travel restrictions are lifted so we are able to do some traveling.”
For fun and relaxation, Maire enjoys reading, cooking, embroidery, and spending time with family and friends. “I have just finished reading the Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett. A great novel on how our past shapes our lives and why some are led to change the course of their lives.”
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