It’s hard for Taylor Delcour and Baily Klingele to imagine themselves in any other career besides nursing. As they recount their journeys, it is evident that their love for nursing was cultivated early on, guided by their mother’s dedication as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) who later became a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
Delcour and Klingele come from a family of four girls, three of whom went on to work in nursing. As the eldest of four girls, Delcour found herself naturally inclined towards caring for others. She has been a registered nurse (RN) for eight years and now serves in the role of director of oncology at the QMG Cancer Institute.
“Since I am the oldest of four, caring for others came natural to me. I also watched my mother work hard as a CNA, eventually becoming an LPN and I knew that was the path I wanted to take, as my love for caring for others grew from a young age,” she shared.
Klingele has been a nurse for four years, starting as an LPN for one year before becoming an RN. She now works with Dr. Louis Kim in the QMG Internal Medicine department. Growing up with a family in nursing, Klingele was exposed to the rewards of the field early on.
“I was inspired to become a nurse after seeing my mom and my older sisters work as CNAs and nurses growing up. I became a CNA while in high school and was able to quickly see how rewarding the job can be,” she said.
Both find fulfillment in the patient connections they make. Although Delcour may not always provide direct patient care in her role today, she cherishes the relationships she has built with patients and their families, especially while working in oncology.
“I still have patients who know my name and converse with me while they are in office for treatment or a follow-up appointment. You make many lasting, rewarding relationships with patients and families while working in oncology,” she said.
One particularly memorable experience for Delcour involved caring for a patient with small-cell lung cancer as an inpatient nurse. Over a three-day period, Taylor provided support and compassion to this patient. A few months later, as Taylor transitioned to her new role as a float nurse at the QMG Cancer Institute, she unexpectedly crossed paths with the same patient and her family.
“I had left the inpatient unit and began my career at QMG. Within one month, I was scheduled to work at the Cancer Institute, and I crossed paths with that patient and her family,” she shared. “Things came full circle and I was able to see that patient through her cancer journey.”
Similar to Delcour, Klingele shared that nursing provides her an avenue to help others during their most vulnerable moments.
“I love being able to help patients when they need it the most. Sometimes we are the only support they have if their families do not live here or if they do not have any family,” she said.
Both Delcour and Klingele highlight the importance of establishing trusting relationships with their patients. Beyond the realm of medical care, they find solace in connecting with patients on a personal level, providing an environment of comfort and compassion. While supporting patients on their health journeys, these nurses often receive life updates that they are eager to hear.
“Once their medical needs are taken care of, patients often will keep me up to date on exciting things happening in their life. Filling me in on their new grandchild, sharing family pictures, and sending holiday cards to the office,” Klingele shared.
Delcour added, “I love making the difference in patients’ lives while caring for them. Our patients bring candies, cookies, cards, smiles, conversation, and many ‘thank yous.’ Each of these things keep me grounded and proud to work as an oncology nurse.”
For these two sisters, nursing is not just a career; it is an opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Inspired by their mother and their own experiences as caregivers, they look forward to continuing to follow in their mother’s footsteps spreading care, compassion, and hope.