“Nursing is an art: and if it is to be made an art, it requires an exclusive devotion as hard a preparation as any painter’s or sculptor’s work.” – Florence Nightingale
The founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale was right. What our nurses do every single day is nothing short of art. From preparing a room and checking vitals to administering therapies and providing guidance, it all requires grace, skill, and compassion. Art in human form.
Meet the “artists” who make every interaction in our clinic an unforgettable experience.
Brandi Miller, MSN, RN, AGCNS-BC, OCN, Director of Clinical Operations
My journey to becoming a nurse was set for me at a very young age. When I was 8, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer.
We lived in Reed City and had to travel to Grand Rapids every day for her radiation treatments (2 hr drive for a 15 min appointment) and she received her chemotherapy in the emergency room. It was not the comforting cancer center environment she deserved.
Watching her fight that battle paved my path to becoming an oncology nurse. I was honored to work with her medical oncologist who saved her life after graduation.
BAMF Health is providing hope and options for people with cancer and other diseases using Theranostics. I fully believe finding this opportunity to lead an amazing clinical team was a plan greater than I had for myself. Taking this opportunity was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to truly impact care for patients in our community and beyond.
I know firsthand how a cancer diagnosis changes your life forever, and I am so blessed to be given the opportunity to lead an amazing team providing hope for our patients on a daily basis.
Bridget Owens, BSN, RN, Theranostics Infusion Nurse
I did not always know that I wanted to be a nurse specifically, but from my first job, I was drawn towards a career in healthcare. Working in the dining area at a senior living facility, I appreciated and valued getting the opportunity to develop a relationship with each resident. Over time, I then became a nurse tech at that same facility and eventually started working in the hospital setting. When it was time to decide which specific healthcare area I wanted to pursue, I loved that a career in nursing allowed me to incorporate my love for science, education, and providing a quality patient experience to each person I interacted with.
I love being a nurse for many reasons, one of them being that I have the opportunity to see patients as individuals and tailor their care to what will be the most beneficial for that specific person. Each interaction is valuable, not only for the patients but for me as well. As nurses, we have so many opportunities to have meaningful interactions with patients that can have a lasting impact.
I previously worked as an inpatient Oncology nurse and heard positive stories from people who were patients at BAMF Health, which led me to look into what might be special about this place. After reading about what BAMF offers patients and the constantly developing world of medicine, I knew this was an organization I wanted to be a part of. After meeting many staff members here at BAMF and hearing them share about the priorities, mission, and culture, I was so excited to have the opportunity to become a part of the team.
Catherine Svabek, MSB, RN, CCRP, SOCRA, Clinical Research Nurse
There are, and have been, many nurses in my family tree, including my mother in her younger years, so it was always a top career choice for me.
I worked in pharmaceutical research and regulation of clinical studies for a time but came back to work directly with patients.
I believe my experiences in life led me to develop great empathy for others which is an asset in the fields of nursing and oncology research. My current position as a research nurse is challenging but also very rewarding because we make a difference in the lives of patients, their families, close friends, and others.
BAMF Health is at the forefront of developing and providing cutting-edge imaging and treatments for many types of cancers. Having people in my own family affected by such diseases makes this both a professional and personal crusade for me.
Chloe Miller, BSN, RN, Theranostics Infusion Nurse
Having multiple aunts and cousins on both sides of my family working as nurses, I have wanted to be a nurse for as long as I can remember! I was fortunate to begin my healthcare journey in high school, an experience that solidified my passion for the profession. I cannot imagine myself doing anything else. I love helping, caring for, and supporting patients and their families during some of the most challenging moments in their lives.
With a background in Emergency Medicine, I am excited to build lasting relationships with patients and their loved ones throughout their healthcare journeys. The mission and culture at BAMF Health are extraordinary. I admire the team’s commitment to putting patients first—something I believe should be at the core of all healthcare.
I am grateful for the opportunity to continue learning and growing as a nurse at BAMF Health, and I look forward to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.
Christina DeVries, BSN, RN, Manager, Nursing
Both my parents were teachers, and from a young age, I assumed I would be a teacher as well. As I grew, I learned I loved science, was drawn to reading books about cancer patients, and became passionate about caring for others. All of this, along with a high school teacher of mine suggesting I consider nursing school, really opened my eyes to the idea of a career in nursing. Plus, I get to do a lot of teaching as a nurse, so I have the bonus of being a teacher as well!
I will never forget when I first heard about BAMF Health. I was at a social gathering and connected with a fellow nurse. After sharing with her what I’m most passionate about as a nurse (the patients!) and what my ideal nursing job would be, she stopped me and said, “You need to work at BAMF. They are hiring someone to do exactly that.”
That night I went online, read about BAMF, could barely believe how clearly the job description fit with what I desired to do, and immediately applied for a nurse navigator position.
Flash forward and here I am working with a team of passionate individuals focused on empowering patients, elevating our standard of care to a new level, and making amazing advances in medicine. I am grateful for this opportunity and am so thankful to be part of the BAMF team.
Clay McNamara, BSN, RN, Manager, Clinical Trials
I always knew I wanted to work in healthcare. When it came time to explore career options, nursing felt like the perfect fit. With so many diverse opportunities in the field, I was confident I’d find the work both meaningful and engaging.
One path that especially appealed to me was travel nursing, which combined my passion of caring for people with the opportunity to explore new places.
After several years working in inpatient oncology, I found myself ready for a change. While I unfortunately witnessed many patients experience unsuccessful treatment outcomes, my passion for working with the oncology population never faded.
That’s when I discovered clinical research and decided to pursue a career as a research nurse. When I learned about BAMF Health and its mission, it strongly aligned with the direction I wanted to take in my career. I knew it would be the right place to grow and make a meaningful impact.
Since joining BAMF Health, I’ve seen firsthand the expansion of clinical trial opportunities in the Grand Rapids area. I feel proud that the work I’m doing contributes to advancing oncology treatment options. I’m hopeful that our efforts will lead to improved outcomes for patients in the future.
Jen Hoseth, BSN, RN, Senior Startup Nurse, RadioNexus
I became a nurse all those many years ago for practical purposes as well as humanitarian ones. I wanted to be in a profession that offered job security, that wouldn’t be static, and offered continuous personal growth and learning. Just as important, I wanted a career where I could enrich an environment and leave it in a better place than when I found it.
I sought employment at BAMF Health for the chance to be part of the advancement of medicine and the impact that it will have on mankind. I was drawn to BAMF’s mission, the challenging environment, and the care the team delivers to each patient who crosses our path.
Katy Estel, BSN, RN, Physician Liaison
I wanted to become a nurse as a young girl because I loved going to visit my elderly family in the nursing home. I would take my fingernail polish and paint all the ladies’ nails. I loved being able to show them they were cared for and hear their stories. I eventually began volunteering in healthcare and had a dream of being an ER nurse someday as I got a little older (I was obsessed with the TV show ER!).
I love being a nurse and knowing I can make an impact on someone’s life. I have had many roles in nursing and helping advocate for people and showing empathy is at the heart of it all.
I wanted to join BAMF because of the innovative way we approach medicine and comprehensive patient care. Theranostics is amazing, and I am excited to educate and engage with providers and healthcare partners in the community!
Kelly Shomin, BSN, RN, Theranostics Infusion Nurse
I grew up with parents who had a strong focus on a holistic lifestyle. They taught me that there are many ways to integrate evidence-based medicine with conventional methods such as meditation, yoga, and nutrition. I became interested in nursing when I discovered that there are so many different paths to helping people. I found that I could use the tools I learned growing up with Western medicine and become a well-rounded nurse open to so many different paths in nursing. I truly wanted to make an impact on people’s lives, and I wanted to be a positive influence on their healthcare journey.
I enjoy being a nurse because I am fascinated with human biology and overall health. Healthcare is constantly evolving, and there is always so much to learn. I have enjoyed every nursing role I have been in. My experiences have offered me the opportunity to grow in my career by challenging me intellectually, testing my skills, and allowing me to interact with people across different specialties. I enjoy connecting with patients and value each person and interaction as unique.
I am excited to be part of a team that values active learning and teamwork. The opportunity to grow as a nurse and work with people who have the same goals was intriguing. BAMF has stood out to me not only through its reputation but also through its advancements in medicine.
Kendra Lark, BSN, RN, Clinical Research Nurse
I wanted to become a nurse because I value being there for people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. I was drawn to the role because nurses have that unique balance of providing clinical care while also being a steady, supportive presence. That ability to make someone feel seen and cared for, while also helping treat them, is what made me choose nursing.
I like being a nurse because it combines critical thinking with meaningful patient care. I’m drawn to the fact that no two days are the same. You’re constantly learning and adapting, while also being there for people during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.
Just being there for patients is one of my favorite parts of being a nurse. A lot of times, they’re going through stressful or uncertain situations. Being a steady, supportive presence can make a real difference. I like knowing that even small things like listening, explaining something clearly, or just not rushing them can help them feel more comfortable and cared for.
I wanted to work at BAMF because I wanted to be part of the future of medicine, especially in oncology. I’ve always loved learning and diving deeply into complex topics, which makes research a strong fit for me, and I’m able to apply that here. At the same time, I’m passionate about working with oncology patients. They’re going through some of the most challenging moments of their lives, and it’s important to me to support them in any way that I can.
Lisa Orange, BSN, RN
Nursing is actually a second career for me. After I had my first child, I decided I wanted to work in healthcare and got a job as a nursing technician. I realized I had found my passion and enrolled in nursing school! I love that there are so many career paths you can take as a nurse.
I came to BAMF Health because of my dad. He had pancreatic cancer, and his treatment journey was an eye-opening experience. I love the work that BAMF is doing, and I am super excited to work with a team that is making such a huge difference in the lives of so many!
Morgan Pinkerton, BSN, RN, Clinical Research Nurse
I love people and I love human sciences! Helping is something I have always strived to do, and I like having an impact on making people’s days a little bit brighter.
I also really like being the bridge for people in complex healthcare discussions. I want to make sure patients have a complete understanding and can be educated advocates for themselves and/or loved ones in decision-making.
Before coming to BAMF Health, I was looking for something “different” and BAMF is definitely that! When I made this move, I wanted to ensure I found a position that challenged me so I could continue to learn and grow in this diverse field.
I feel inspired by what BAMF is doing for patients, and the patient experience is so much of our focus it’s just an incredible environment. If you mix that with experts from varying fields working towards a common goal of shaking things up in healthcare – that is absolutely where I want to be.
Shelby Simon, BSN, RN, Supervisor, Clinical Trials Coordination
Since I was a young girl, I found my purpose in the idea and practice of caring for others. My dream started as wanting to be a surgeon – likely fueled by my Mom’s love of Grey’s Anatomy, then a teacher, then a counselor. That passion for caring eventually morphed into a profession I felt better suited my heart: nursing. I love using the caring heart God gave me to impact the world around me for the better. I feel my heart, strength, determination, and intelligence are all tools I was given for the purpose of serving my community in times of need.
I love that BAMF feels unlike prior employers. The science behind our radioligand therapy trials is inspiring, and I’m proud to be part of a team that’s making this medicine accessible to all. The shared yearning to improve the lives of our patients above profit, promotions, or titles is palpable. Although the work is hard and the days are long, I wake in the morning happy to come to work, knowing it’s one more day making an impact that I can see and feel.
