Blog

In many ways, Nat Torkelson’s, MS, RN, career in nursing has been a lifelong pursuit. In her office on the campus of Hillcrest Medical Center, where she serves as the administrative director of cardiovascular services at Oklahoma Heart Institute, a collection of neatly situated items speaks to her 45 years of service – framed degrees, employee art and a photo album of co-workers from the past she received as a gift, are among a few. Classical music plays in the background as she recalls her earliest memories playing with her sisters and neighborhood friends. Nat was always the nurse.

As summer draws near, health care providers remind us to be aware of our exposure to mosquitoes. This is a common concern for the season, but this year a new focus has emerged: the Zika virus. Utica Park Clinic recently explored Zika and how it can be transmitted on their blog.

It is hard to imagine that you or someone you know could go through an experience that would require the services of a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE), but knowing the first steps to take after you or a loved one is a victim of rape or domestic violence is vital. The nurses involved with the SANE program are certified to provide rape and domestic violence exams to patients who have been assaulted. Hillcrest is the only health system in Tulsa County that offers this program.