MARIAH PHILLIPS, a seasoned nurse with 7 ½ years of experience, has dedicated her career to the field of obstetrics. After sitting down with her for a while and listening to her story, you’ll quickly discover that for Phillips, this is more than just a job — it’s a vocation, a calling she’s carried since childhood.
“Since the age of 4, I knew I wanted to deliver babies,” Phillips recalled. “It was just something that was put in me.”
Born and raised in Nashville, Phillips and her husband moved to Manchester for a fresh start and the opportunity to raise their children in this small, close-knit town. Phillips has worked in numerous hospitals, from inner cities to larger cities and small towns.
Her journey in nursing led her to labor and delivery, where she not only assists with deliveries but also nurtures new mothers postpartum and cares for newborns. Through the years, Phillips has witnessed both the exhilarating and the heart-wrenching moments that come with bringing new life into the world.
“I’ve seen babies fully coded and restored, witnessed twin vaginal deliveries, and even been a part of breech deliveries,” she shared.
“It’s a blessing to see life being born, but it’s also a blessing to care for those who are in traumatic situations.”
When asked about her approach to patient care, Phillips emphasized the need for balance.
“I’ve learned to turn myself off when I’m at work and be fully present for my patients,” she said.
“But when I’m off the clock, I’m fully present for my family.”
This approach helps her to be more intentional in her practice and more attentive to the needs of her patients.
Her experience in different hospital settings has taught her the value of adaptability and the importance of work-life balance.
“I used to be a workaholic, but I realized I was taking away too much family time,” she said.
“Now, I’ve found a healthier balance, which allows me to be fully available for my patients.”
In her current role at a local community hospital, Phillips is encouraged to see diversity in leadership positions.
“It makes me feel more comfortable knowing that there’s representation in leadership roles,” she shared.
According to Phillips, one of the pressing healthcare issues in small towns like Manchester is the need for efficient patient transfers to higher-level care facilities due to the distance involved.
Ambulance availability and other logistical challenges can complicate this process. However, Phillips’ experience as a nurse, combined with her understanding of the community’s unique needs, helps bridge these gaps.
In her profession, Phillips highlighted the importance of recognizing and addressing bias related to factors such as socioeconomic status, race, substance use history, and many others.
As a nurse, she believes in the crucial role nurses play in patient care, serving as the eyes for doctors. Her advice for healthcare professionals is for them to remain humble and compassionate, emphasizing the significance of self-awareness.
Beyond her nursing career, Phillips’ upbringing instilled in her a deep sense of community service. She grew up volunteering, often with her family, which fostered a sense of humility and empathy.
Phillips and her husband have extended this commitment to their community and embraced another vital role — foster parenting. They are in the process of adopting a child they have cared for since he was 6 months old while also offering respite care to other foster families during breaks.
“We’ve been in foster care for almost three years,” she revealed.
For Phillips and her husband, fostering is more than just a commitment; it represents their belief in the power of family and community support.
Phillips’ presence in Manchester is nothing short of a gift. Her continuous commitment to the well-being of mothers, babies, and the community serves as an inspiration for us all. In her journey, we find the embodiment of compassion, resilience, and the power of a nurturing heart.
Her life’s story, though it is far from finished, represents the positive impact one individual can make within a community, whether through healthcare or community service. Her commitment to balance, self-awareness, and humility serves as an inspiration for others to follow in her caring footsteps.
In Phillips’ world, healing isn’t just a profession; it’s a way of life, and her community is much more prosperous for it. GN
