Meet Mary Beth Loughran, RN-BSN, CCRN, a staff nurse in our Medical Center Level 4 NICU. Inspired by the care her nephew received here several years ago, she pursued nursing as a second career and has served her unit in several capacities including bedside nurse, transport nurse, nurse instructor, preceptor and ECMO nurse.
Why do you love Texas Children’s?
I appreciate the learning opportunities and the culture of supporting nursing education. I also enjoy my co-workers, and always feel supported by my charge nurses and managers.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
I recently traveled to Bolivia on a medical mission trip, where I worked with an incredible team to set up wellness and education clinics in four different remote villages over eight days. In total, our team served nearly 1,200 patients. Our goal was to leave the indigenous people who had little to no access to health care with skills, knowledge and sustainable resources, and I had the privilege of teaching nursing students and medical providers the basics of neonatal thermoregulation and resuscitation.
How do you stay motivated and inspired away from work?
I’m currently working towards a doctoral degree at Baylor University to become a neonatal nurse practitioner. When I’m not at work or in clinicals, I’m studying and learning more about the NICU specialty. I’m inspired to help premature critically ill infants live fuller lives, and as a future DNP, I hope to become a leader at the bedside.
Tell us about a patient or family interaction that made an impact on you.
I provided consistent care to an infant with a chronic condition who remained on our unit for several months. They were eventually discharged after a tracheostomy surgery. It’s always rewarding to see patients beat the odds and feel gratitude from the family.
Where is your favorite spot at work to eat, socialize or recharge?
Starbucks!