Taylor’s Story | Working as a Medical Assistant While She Advances Her Education

Written by Jake Uitti from Nurse.org
Taylor Brune is many things. To start, perhaps above all else, she is passionate about healthcare. Brune, who recently survived COVID-19, suffers from chronic autoimmune deficiencies, which began from a bite from a tick. As a result, she has had to learn and research much in the medical world so that she is as well equipped as possible to survive her severe afflictions.
On top of all that, Brune is also a Medical Assistant. In this capacity, she works with healthcare providers as a liaison to patients, in administrative capacities and other roles to ensure the facility operates smoothly. Brune, never one to shy away from a challenge, is also a student continuing her education. She is using her experience as a Medical Assistant to help transition to, one day, becoming a doctor. That is her ultimate aim.
We caught up with Brune to ask her about this long professional journey, her fight with COVID-19, her passion for healthcare and much more.
When and why did you decide you wanted to be a Medical Assistant?
The last ten years, I have dealt with my own health issues and my own health journey of developing chronic disease and autoimmune disease after a bite from a tic. So, when I lost my health, I was engulfed in the medical world and I was a patient 24-7 and having to do research for myself and be my own health advocate. In the process of learning how to heal myself, I grew the passion of wanting to help heal others.
While I was going through treatments, I was like, this is my calling. This is where I’m supposed to be. This is why I’m having my health issues and going through this huge life transition and transformation. When that realization happened, I decided to learn about medicine and how to switch my degree over to pre-med and integrative health.
Going into medical assisting school, was the first step in my path. And I’m going to be a doctor one day no matter how long it takes! No matter what challenges I face, I know that everything I’m going through in my own health is helping me transform into the best person that I can be so that I can be the best doctor for patients. Since I’ve had the perspective of being a patient for so many years, I know exactly what they’re thinking and feeling.
What was the process like for you to become a Medical Assistant?
First, I prayed a lot about it. I knew I wanted to switch my degree to pre-med but, I also wanted to work in the medical field a lot sooner. Becoming a doctor takes years in pre-med and medical school.
So, I figured the first step to completely immerse myself in the medical field as soon as possible was to complete a medical assistant program and to actually start working in the field that I love so much. Once I graduated from my medical assistant and phlebotomy program I immediately started working in the field. The experience I’ve gained has just confirmed that this is where I’m supposed to be and I love it!
How long did the process take, what type of schooling did you get?
For medical assisting in California , I needed to go to a medical assisting school. I went to a trade school and enrolled into a medical assisting program. Medical assisting programs are more about gaining experience in an actual doctor’s office. This is how the program was set up,
- Complete the required amount of classroom lecture credits
- Attend the required amount of clinicals and pass them
- Work in the field for 200 hours underneath different doctors and specialties
The program style was really beneficial to help me to get on-the-job training and also land a great position right after graduation,
- I gained a lot of valuable on-the-job experience while I was still in school
- I quickly graduated and got my diploma from medical assisting school
- I was able to apply to private practices and I got a job quickly
- I’ve been working at private practices up until now
At the same time, though, I’ve been going to Arizona State University Online to finish my Bachelor’s degree, which I’ll be finishing in the fall. This fall, I’ll have my Bachelor’s as well as my medical assisting diploma.
As a medical assistant it’s important to be certified. I took a national certification exam and every two years, I complete the required credits and retake the test to keep my certification up to date.
How did you land your first job as a Medical Assistant?
It was actually pretty easy for me because I seem to interview really well with medical places. My first job was working at a naturopathic office. Next, I went to primary care and oncology. So, that’s where I’ve been working the last year.
There’s a lot to know for the job and you have a lot of responsibilities – from first-aid to computer work to patient liaison. Do you like having all these aspects to your workday?
I love it! I have gained so much experience including,
- Customer service in front at the reception desk
- Rooming and taking care of patients in back clinical
- Helping oncology patients during their treatments
- Drawing blood in phlebotomy and lab tech
Drawing blood is my absolute favorite because I really enjoy direct patient care. But, overall working with different modalities, systems and technologies has taught me so much about the medical field. Each private practice is completely different and the providers are unique in that they offer different specialties and treatments. It’s been fun learning all these different skills.
Your long-term goal is to be a doctor. How did you choose becoming a medical assistant for that aim and how has it helped?
There are a few reasons why I chose medical assisting as my first step towards my goal of becoming a doctor,
- I love chronic disease
- Being a medical assistant gives me time to focus on my own health
- It allows me to work while advancing my education to become a doctor because pre-med takes a while.
- I wanted to give a voice to the chronic illness community – because of my own health and all the experiences I had with doctors pushing me aside. In my experience I feel that a lot of the chronic illness community is not heard. So, I really just want to make a change in how nurses, medical assistants, and all types of healthcare workers are treated. I want to help change how doctors perceive patients who have chronic illness. There are so many amazing, positive things in the medical field. But there is a lot of darkness, too. I really just want to be that light. I really feel like taking that path via doctor, I’d be able to help the patients, give them a voice that they need to feel confident in the healthcare system again – especially with chronically ill patients.
Ambulatory Care Nursing Week is February 6-12
Ambulatory Care Nurses are critical thinkers, leaders, communicators, listeners, courageous, caregivers, and so much more. Join us to celebrate and support them! This celebration takes…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
What Color Tubes Are Used for Which Tests in Phlebotomy
Tube Colors And What They Mean The various tube colors phlebotomists use denote specific types of draws. The tube color refers to the color of…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Registered Nursing – Occupational Outlook
The field of nursing is an occupation that has exploded in recent years and is poised for continued impressive growth. According to the Bureau of…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Welcome to Sumner College – February 6th Nursing Classes Start Today!
Today we welcome the new students enrolled in Sumner College's February 6th cohorts for Registered Nursing, Practical Nursing and RN-BSN.…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Welcome to Sumner College – New Arizona Phlebotomy Technician Students Starting Today!
Today we welcome the new students enrolled in Sumner College-Arizona's February 6th cohort for Phlebotomy Technician.…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Interested in Becoming a Nurse?
Learn more about becoming a nurse, nursing salaries, and the future of nursing. Nurses are considered some of the most trusted professionals in the United…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Honor HealthCare Heroes – National IV Nurse Day
INS celebrates IV Nurse Day each year on January 25th, to recognize the decades of continuing education, advocacy, and professional development that have driven the…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Enroll Now in our Phlebotomy Tech Program
Have you been dreaming about a career working in healthcare? Sumner College Arizona can get you there with classes in Phlebotomy Tech, Medical Assisting and…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
2023 Nurse Appreciation Calendar
Enjoy The DiversityNursing.com, 2023 Nurse Appreciation Calendar and remember to honor our healthcare heroes for their dedication to our health and work in our world.…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Honor our HealthCare Heroes – National CRNA Week
A Celebration of CRNAs Since 2000, National CRNA Week has been our annual celebration of the nearly 59,000 practicing nurse anesthetists in the U.S. From…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Laboratory Phlebotomist Projected Growth in the US
Research Summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that: Salaries have increased 11% for laboratory phlebotomists in the last 5 years…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Mobile IV Nursing Is Trending Due to Earning Potential
Mobile IV nursing is growing and offers nurses the opportunity for higher pay and a flexible schedule. Explore this popular career. Mobile intravenous (IV) nurses…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
How You Can Set SMART Goals for 2023
Did you know 91% of people don't reach their New Year's goals? Dive into how SMART goals for nurses may increase your potential success. SMART…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
How the Improving Care and Access to Nurses (I CAN) Act Impacts Nurses
The Improving Care and Access to Nurses legislation significantly impacts nurses and their patients. Consider seven ways to advocate for improved access to care. The…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Dream It. Do It.
If healthcare is your passion, and a career in the field is your dream, it is time to look at Sumner College. 2023 nursing classes…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Happy New Year!
Make way for 2023!…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
The Future of Oregon’s Nursing Workforce: Analysis and Recommendations
The Oregon Center for Nursing recently published "The Future of Oregon's Nursing Workforce: Analysis and Recommendations The Oregon Legislature directed the Oregon Health Care Workforce…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Happy Holidays from Sumner College
…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
What’s the work environment for a Phlebotomy Tech?
Phlebotomists work mainly in hospitals, medical and diagnostic laboratories, and doctor’s offices. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Phlebotomists held about 135,500 jobs…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Holiday Break – December 19 to January 2nd
There will be no classes at Sumner College during Holiday Break - December 19th thru January 2nd.…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Expert Simulation Educators Across Oregon – OCN
Sumner College's Simulation Lab provides a comprehensive learning experience for our students. As nursing education and professional development needs evolve, schools and healthcare systems are…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
2022 Holiday Greetings
Sumner College President, Joanna Russell, shares a big announcement for our nursing school happening in April 2023 and wishes a warm holiday greeting to all…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Finding balance around the holidays
The holiday season can be a stressful time. For years, I allowed this time of year to completely take over my mind and wellbeing because…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
It’s a good time to pursue a career in healthcare. Joanna Russell and Nicole DeCosta discuss nursing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GQA8dkHbFc…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
RN Well-Being Project
The well-being of all licensed LPNs, RNs, and APRNs, as well as their certified and unlicensed support staff, is essential to Oregon's health [Article shared…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Oregon Facing Nurse Shortage by 2025
With demand for registered nurses in Oregon continuing to grow, Oregon is facing a nursing shortage by 2025, according to The Demand for Nursing Professionals…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Occupational Outlook Handbook – Phlebotomists
Sumner College's Phlebotomy Tech classes are held in Mesa, Arizona Next classes start in January 2023 Quick Facts: Phlebotomists 2021 Median Pay $37,380 per year…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Professional Nursing Organizations
There are more than 100 different national and international nursing organizations, many of which have chapters in Oregon. You may want to consider the benefits…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
How a nurse is improving health equity with a touch of a button
This article is shared from Johnson+Johnson's Nursing website. LINK Watch a special TODAY show segment featuring nurse innovator Bre Loughlin, MS, RN This segment features…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Now Hiring – Assistant to the President
Sumner College is accepting applications for the position of Assistant to the President. Visit the Careers at Sumner page for details on the position and…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn