I Love My Community: Laura Kahler
Laura Kahler, a palliative care nurse at St. Joseph’s Medical Center, talked with HERLIFE Magazine recently about her service to family and community.
HLM: How long have you lived here and what do you love most about it?
LK: II have lived most of my life in Stockton, moving here at 18 months from SoCal. There was a period of eight years when I returned to So Cal for college, got married, started a family and then moved back. I love Stockton because it is home to me and my family is here. I grew up water skiing on the Delta and have always appreciated the Delta breeze we have that cools us off in the evenings.
HLM: How is your heart inspired to serve the community?
LK: I’ve always had a passion for serving and helping others. I am inspired by my dad who, as a pastor, served our community in his ministry that included visitation to folks in the hospital or nursing homes. I even tagged along as a kid as he would visit and offer a prayer and word of encouragement to folks in the hospital. I feel as though I am following in his footsteps in my desire to offer support to those going through health crises.
HLM: Being an RN, working with cancer patients, is not an easy career. What was your motivation to choose this career path?
LK: I love the work that I do and definitely found my niche in palliative care. Palliative care is support for patients dealing with incurable illness with a focus on quality of life. I consider it an honor to come alongside people in our community as they are dealing with life-altering health issues.
HLM: What is the most rewarding aspect of working with cancer patients?
LK: Meeting resilient people and listening to their stories. As a palliative care nurse, I have the luxury of time and get to sit and just listen to them. The good, bad and hard, all of it. In return, we offer a map of the road ahead, providing tools for decision making. My hope is that the support we provide lessens the trauma that can be experienced by the patient and the family while dealing with serious health issues. I am often in awe as I speak with a patient or family in learning about the long and hard journey their health has taken them on. The stories are truly inspiring.
HLM: What is the most challenging part of your job?
LK: The hardest part is when there are no good options for a patient. When we are connecting with a cancer patient, it is because their disease is considered incurable. There are many cancer survivors, but unfortunately, despite the advances in cancer research, there are still situations where it can’t be beaten. In situations where a cure isn’t within reach, the most important job we have is to engage in a conversation about values and quality of life. In doing this we help patients navigate the path of accepting that the end will come and carefully open the door for them to think about what their end might look like. We bring up those topics that no one wants to talk about. But there is bravery facing this part of the ‘hard.’ And these discussions and decisions literally set the stage for the where and the how their end of life takes place. Putting off these conversations more often comes at the cost of their own comfort and dignity.
HLM: Outside of work, how do you spend your time?
LK: Time with family is super important to me. I also enjoy yard work and love to do anything related to plants!
HLM: What is an accomplishment (family or career) that you are most proud of?
LK: I am most proud of my children. We have two that are young adults, one in college and one at home. Seeing them grow and blossom as they mature is such a beautiful thing to witness. Knowing that we had a part in shaping them as human beings is so rewarding.
HLM: What is your favorite quote?
LK: I look to scripture for inspiration and words to live by. One of my favorites is Philippians 4:6-7. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. When I face difficult times in my life, I draw strength from my faith in God and trust that He knows what I’m going through and am comforted knowing He is with me every step of the way.
HLM: What is your favorite food/dessert?
LK: I love a good pizza! My favorite is Uncle Vito’s in San Francisco! And for dessert, ice cream! Hands down!
