Show Me the Ozarks September 2022

Women WATCH TO

SPECIAL PROMOTION

MEGAN SPIERING, MSN, FNP-C, CHPN Palliative Care Coordinator, Freeman Health System

1111 McIntosh Circle, Suite 210 Joplin, MO • 417.347.4094 freemanhealth.com

C aring for patients, establishing trust with families and providing support are a few of the things Megan Spiering does as a palliative care coordinator. Palliative care is a subspecialty of medicine that focuses on people living with a serious illness, and the goal is to provide relief from the illness’ symptoms and stress to improve the quality of life for the patient and the family. Megan started her nursing career as a bedside nurse in 2006. After taking time off after the birth of her second child, her family traveled around the world for several years before returning to the States, where she resumed employment in bedside nursing in 2012. She joined the palliative care team in 2015 and became coordinator in 2019. Megan’s patients and families are often dealing with difficult and life-altering news. “I get to come alongside patients and families by answering questions, leading discussions and providing support,” she said. “Our team is designed so we can spend the time needed to help patients and families process all of the information and implications of their illness.” One of Megan’s greatest achievements is being part of the founding of the Solace House of the Ozarks. Megan also recently graduated with her master’s in nursing science and is now certified as a family nurse practitioner. She enjoys taking Jiu-Jitsu classes and kayaking and hiking with her husband and kids.

September 2022 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 41