The American Health Council Welcomes Pamela Murray, ADN, RN to its Board of Nurses

The American Health Council welcomes Pamela Murray, ADN, RN to its Board of Nurses for her outstanding contributions to the nursing field. Currently serving as a registered nurse, oncology nurse navigator at Virginia Oncology Associates in North Carolina, Ms. Murray provides oncology navigation services by assisting patients with caregiver needs and removing barriers that may prevent them from receiving care. While she has been employed by Virginia Oncology Associates since 2013, Ms. Murray has spent two years in her current role. This year, she marked a remarkable milestone by celebrating 40 years in the nursing field, where she has garnered skills in geriatrics, med-surgical, pediatrics, post-anesthesia care, bariatric, hospice and oncology care.

As the second eldest child in a group of six, Ms. Murray quickly developed a nurturing demeanor. She considered her natural caretaking skills a gift. She first began working as a candy striper at 13 years old and immediately knew she was destined to pursue a career as a nurse. She earned a Licensed Practical Nurse certification from Alvernia  School of  Practical Nursing in Pittsburgh Penn., in 1978 and eventually earned an Associate Degree in Nursing from the College of the Albemarle in Elizabeth City, N.C.  in 2003.

Throughout her career, she developed a strong sense of teamwork and has heightened the sense of compassion for her patients and colleagues. At Virginia Oncology Associates, Ms. Murray aids patients with financial inquiries, geographical concerns and educates them on their diagnosis and symptom management. Additionally, she coordinates multidisciplinary services for her patients and families across the continuum of care. She offers weekly phone sessions for patients who demonstrate a need for extra support, whether it is education, symptom management or regular check-ups.

Ms. Murray assisted with an academic journal published in 1996 in the Academic Emergency Medicine and helped develop a bariatric program at Chesapeake Regional Medical Center. During her time in pediatrics, she received the Lamp Award for Promoting the “Art” of Nursing. To continue to expand her expertise and share her knowledge with peers, Ms. Murray is a member of the Oncology Nursing Society and the Virginia Cancer Patient Navigator Network.

Ms. Murray’s success stems from embodying the art of nursing and embracing the multitude of opportunities the nursing filed has offered her throughout her rewarding career. This diverse coupling has provided her great balance and numerous avenues of educational opportunities which enabled her to grow and evolve. She feels it is important to give back through her profession and is proud and honored to be a part of the nursing field. She is humbled by the blessings she receives from her patients, who allow her to guide them through their most difficult times. Ms. Murray is currently studying for her navigation certificate. Although she is approaching retirement, she finds it difficult to walk away from a field that allows her to provide patient care. She knows that she will continue to contribute in some form once she retires in the future. She plans to actively volunteer with the Cancer Care Foundation in her local VOA office and continue to volunteer at the senior centers by providing blood pressure screenings. She is an active member of her local Ruritan Club, where she provides community support in many forms.

In her rare free time, Ms. Murray enjoys boating with her husband and playing Bunco with her neighborhood ladies. She is passionate about the arts, as she paints and charcoal sketches. She also cherishes her family time with herdaughter and three precious granddaughters. Additionally, she contributes to several charitable organizations, including Shawboro Ruritan Club, Toys for Tots Foundation, Autism Research Institute, Operation Smile, Cancer Care Foundation and has donated her rare G-scale Train collection to the Portsmouth Children’s Museum in Portsmouth, Va.