THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 16, 1994 TAG: 9410140243
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: JANELLE LA BOUVE
LENGTH: Medium: 79 lines
When the conversation turns to nursing, Sherry Creider talks fast and with enthusiasm.
As a full-time nursing instructor and part-time nurse for Edmarc Hospice for Children, she has strong feelings about the importance of the profession.
``You need to care about people and be very observant of what's going on with them,'' she said. ``You need to listen to what they tell you. In my case, I have to listen to what parents tell me.
``When you work with children who have cancer, you try to help them to be as comfortable as possible and to have as normal a life as possible for as long as possible,'' she said. ``You try to support the family and help them have some kind of a normal family life.''
This requires a team effort from field nurses, nursing supervisors, social workers and, when appropriate, bereavement coordinators, she said.
``I love the philosophy of hospice, because it's important for someone to be as comfortable as possible and to be with people who love them,'' she said. ``But it's also important for people to have a choice of a hospice unit at home or one in a hospital so that they can do what works best for them.''
During her days at Norview High School in Norfolk, Creider was a member of the Future Nurses Club. When she entered the Walter Reed Army Institute of Nursing on a scholarship, she donned Army khakis as a private first class. After graduation, she was commissioned as a first lieutenant in the Army Nurse Corps.
Creider accumulated 13 years of pediatric experience in the Army. Her duty stations included Hawaii and Frankfurt, West Germany. In 1981 she earned a master of science degree in nursing from The Catholic University of America in Washington.
Her military awards include the Army Commendation Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal.
In 1987 she retired with the rank of major.
Creider is active in the Virginia Nurses Association and the local Leukodystrophy Support Group.
Full name: Sherry D. Creider
Birthdate: July 19, 1949
Hometown: Norfolk
Childhood memories: ``I remember walking to the bookmobile every Friday night with my girlfriend and taking the bus to Ocean View. During the times when I have been away from Tidewater, I have really missed not seeing the water all the time.''
Marital status: Single
Occupation: ``I work part-time as a field nurse for Edmarc Hospice for Children, and I'm an assistant professor in the department of nursing at Norfolk State University.''
Pets: Two dogs
Hobbies: ``I like walking and reading and doing handicrafts when I have time.''
Last book read: ``Because of the kind of work I do, I read a lot of romance books just to relax.''
Can't resist: Chocolate
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? ``To be less serious.''
Greatest accomplishment: ``Caring about people as a nurse and as an individual. I hope I am giving back a little to other people for all that I have received.''
Favorite TV program: ``Star Trek, The Next Generation''
Biggest problem facing Chesapeake: ``Traffic and the lack of adequate roads. Traffic where I live in Deep Creek can get bottle-necked real easily.''
Favorite way to spend a day off: ``Spending time with my family and with friends.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by STEVE EARLEY
``You need to care about people and be very observant of what's
going on with them,'' says nursing instructor Sherry D. Creider.
KEYWORDS: INTERVIEW PROFILE
by CNB