in Meet Michelle smith—supporting bariatric patients every step of the way
Michelle Smith, LVN, didn’t start her career with the goal of becoming a nurse—it’s a dream she discovered when she saw the difference nurses could make in their patients’ lives.
“I worked in a family medical clinic in a small East Texas town where we used to live, managing the front office,” Smith said. “Seeing the importance of nurses in people’s lives made me think it was something I wanted to try. So, I decided to apply for nursing school.”
The deadline for nursing school applications was approaching, but Smith didn’t let that stop her. She submitted her admissions packet on the day it was due.
“It was kind of just one of those lucky things,” she said. “I got in and then started that August.”
BUilding a bariatric nursing career
Today, Smith is a Clinical Care Specialist for Lantern (formerly known as SurgeryPlus). She works primarily with bariatric patients. Smith is passionate about her work, however she did not go into nursing school knowing that she wanted to specialize in bariatric surgery. Her path to her current role started with a family member.
Smith’s first “job” after finishing nursing school was caring for her grandmother, who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
“I had general knowledge about medical care, so I decided to take care of her for a while [myself],” she said.
Eventually, Smith accepted a position working at a bariatric clinic, walking patients through the sometimes emotional and lengthy bariatric surgery process. It was there that she discovered a passion for this patient population—and saw how great guidance could help patients succeed.
“I loved every minute of being a bariatric nurse,” Smith said. “Being in an environment of learning was beneficial for my growth . The culture allows for many relationships to be developed with bariatric patients. I’ve been given the opportunity to see so many patients go on a weight loss journey leading to success. It has been great.”
After the pandemic, Smith decided it was time to make a change from bedside nursing to “something different.” That’s when she found her current role with Lantern. It allows her to continue guiding patients through the bariatric surgery process—something she has always loved.
“I worked alongside Lantern for several years in my previous role, so I knew about what the company was about and what it stood for, which I loved,” Smith said. “I wanted to be able to utilize my skills and knowledge. This role came up, and it was just a blessing.”
Making a Positive impact
Smith knows her and fellow Clinical Care Coordinators and Nurse Navigators can have a positive influence during difficult and challenging times.
“Surgery is a vulnerable time in someone’s life,” she said. “Especially when it’s bariatric surgery. There is still a stigma around doing it this way. Some people say the patients are taking the easy way out. But I’ve done this for over 10 years—it’s not easy. It’s hard.”
As she continues to walk beside patients on their bariatric journeys, Smith is also enjoying how her career is growing with Lantern.
“I have built relationships here that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed, whether those are with doctors in another state or through being a resource for our Care Advocates,” Smith said. “I’m glad to be here.”
Connecting with members
In walking through the bariatric surgery journey with members, Smith says she finds inspiration in the way they can tackle the issues surrounding bariatric surgery, including a variety of specialist appointments and other steps that are necessary to have bariatric surgery.
Depending on the patient, those steps can include lab work, visits with a dietitian, appointments with a cardiologist, a sleep study and more.
“They must work super hard both before and after the surgery,” she said. “Our members really give this process their all. They put everything they can into it.”
“I love having the opportunity to be a support for them during the process,” Smith added. “I’m here to answer their questions and offer guidance during the process. They do the challenging work themselves.”
What makes surgeryplus+ reliable?
This service works with a network of highly acclaimed vetted surgeons, including Dr. Basa and Dr. Abando. With a combination of over 4000 procedures and general surgeries you can expect the best minimally invasive surgery in the market.
Bettering your health may seem like a daunting and expensive task at first but it does not have to be. By using healthcare resources provided by your employer you can expect doctors who care for you and are the most trusted professionals in the industry. If you are looking for surgeons who are passionate about providing quality care for both bariatric surgery in the Austin Area, give us a call at 512-260-3444. As proud SurgeryPlus providers, you can gain access to procedures, treatments, and surgeries so you live a healthy and happier life.
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B+A Medical Center is a surgeon-owned and operated clinic offering advanced and effective bariatric and weigh-loss surgery in Cedar Park.
Source: https://lanterncare.com/meet-michelle-smith-supporting-bariatric-patients-at-every-step/
