Millennium Magazine_2ndEd

370 MILLENNIUM-SECOND EDITION A s a medical and surgical nurse, Pauline Frances Thomassen had the responsibility of caring for patients before, during and after surgery. For over four decades, Ms. Thomassen worked alongside medical and surgical teams to ensure that patients received the best care possible. Growing up, she had a strong desire to become a nurse, though a high school counselor told her she would never amount to anything. She proved them wrong when she earned an Associate of Arts in nursing and a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Colorado State University-Pueblo, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Seattle Pacific University, and an RN certification in Washington. She began her career at the Swedish Medical Center in Seattle, Wash., as a level III staff nurse for the orthopedic unit. From 1975 until her retirement, she served as a preceptor for the orientation of RNs and student RNs. She was also a clinical spine educator from 1995 until 2002, when she began taking care of her husband, who was dying of cancer. A former member of the National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses, Ms. Thomassen has shared her knowledge as the author of “Spinal Disease and Surgical Interventions” and a contributing author of “Making Sense of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery.” Throughout her successful career, she received many opportunities for professional development, including being sent to Alaska to care for a young man injured when crushed between two icebergs. With the experience she gained from that trip, she was able to complete her thesis for a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, she has served as a guest speaker for the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and the University of Washington. She has been featured in myriad Who’s Who publications since 1991. PAULINE FRANCES THOMASSEN MEDICAL AND SURGICAL NURSE (RETIRED) Lynwood, WA