Colleen Brogan-Raasch has seen a lot of changes in cancer care in the past 24 years.

“When I started in oncology at Gundersen Lutheran I’d been taught not to get too involved or too attached to our cancer patients,” said Brogan-Raasch, medical dosimetrist in Gundersen Lutheran’s radiation oncology department. “Cancer care has come a long way. Even though we were taught to keep our distance, we didn’t. We got to know our patients and it made us better caregivers. That is why I made healthcare my profession and why I still work in the field today.”

That personal approach to health care is a big part of the reason Brogan-Raasch, an Onalaska resident, joined 75 other health-care employees from across the state at the 2008 Wisconsin Health Care Employee Pride Program recognition dinner at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells.

The program, sponsored by the Wisconsin Hospital Association is designed to celebrate the health-care workforce and recognize their “truly amazing” contributions to the health of their communities, according to WHA President Steve Brenton.

“People who work in hospitals are among Wisconsin’s most dedicated and valuable employees. It takes special people to care for others and our communities are richer, safer and healthier places to live because of these professionals,” Brenton said.

Hospital employees across the state were asked to describe what led them to choose an occupation in health, and why they decided to work in a hospital. Hundreds of healthcare employees submitted essays including Brogan-Raasch.

A committee at healthcare facilities around the state including Gundersen Lutheran selected the winning essay. Brogan-Raasch was honored at the recognition banquet May 1.

The recognition program is co-sponsored by the Wisconsin Society of Healthcare Human Resources Administration, and the Wisconsin Organization of Nurse Executives.

COLLEEN BROGAN-RAASCH'S ESSAY

“YOU’RE NOT SUPPOSED TO GET EMOTIONALLY ATTACHED TO THE PATIENTS”

“Yeah, sure. Like THAT’S gonna happen.”

I recall the day I wrote that sentence. I was in class with 7 other radiation therapy students, being told to detach ourselves from the folks afflicted with cancer. Not to get “close”. It wasn’t meant to be insulting. It was just a bit of advice to help us deal with the emotional roller coaster that one can ride in the oncology field.

The advice was wrong.

VERY WRONG.

How can I not walk in to the waiting room and give “Mrs.Smith” a hug, especially after she shared her fabulous fudge recipe. Or laugh when John Doe cackled with delight at my expression as he told one of his famous Ole and Lena jokes. Should I distance myself when the resident “grandma” asks about my kids, while she sits knitting her third potholder for the week? Should I avoid the celebration the family holds in the lobby for their Packer fan when he graduates from treatments and skip the Green and Gold cake?

When these wonderful people visit us for 5-6 weeks, how can you NOT get attached? Why would you not WANT to?

I’ve worked in the oncology field for 24 years. The people I’ve met over the years are the most resilient, warm-hearted people you could ever hope to acquaint yourself with.

The business of healthcare must not be overlooked but the enthusiasm and delight comes from getting to really know those patients we have had the fortune to meet and care for.

As my career has evolved, I have less patient contact but I am still an ardent “cheerleader” for working in the field. Just ask any student who bumps into me.

Besides, I want that Green and Gold cake.