May 15, 2009
Nina Menegak will soon be YKHC's first Bethel-trained Registered Radiographer.
Local Radiology Training program presents first graduate
by Ronnie Fitzpatrick, Diagnostic Imaging
Nina Menegak came to work for YKHC in May 2004 as the Imaging Receptionist. Right away she expressed interest in learning the technical side of our profession and started working with the technologists in the x-ray room-positioning for exams and learning how to care for patients.
She was taking calls for us six months later. This is a huge responsibility for a new tech, but she was ready to step up to the challenge. She could do portable chest xrays for respiratory distress, work on trauma patients and quickly mastered the processes and systems imperative to a smooth running department.
Nina began the Limited Radiography Program with UAA in August of 2005 and was in the first graduating class of the Limited Program for the entire state of Alaska in June, 2007.
Barely two months later Nina began the journey on the Associate Degree Program for Radiology with UAA. For the past two years Nina has been attending class with UAA via videoconferencing and gaining her clinical experience here at YKHC.
Last summer Nina spent two weeks at the Alaska Native Medical Center to learn how to operate radiology equipment in surgery.
Aside from those two weeks, all of Nina's education for the Associate Degree has been obtained right here in Bethel.
After graduting with KUC's class of 2009 this month, Nina will study for and take the National Registry Examination for Radiographers. When she passes this examination, she will be the first Bethel trained Registered Radiographer.
Nina, we appreciate the skill that you bring to this department and your attention to detail. On behalf of the Imaging Department at YKHC, I would like to thank you for your hard work and Congratulate you on all that you have achieved.
