Front and Center: Margaret Workman

Front and Center: Margaret Workman

Published on Monday, September 9, 2024

By: Rachel Vanderford, [email protected]

Photos By: Jay Ferchaud/ UMMC Communications

As a teenager, Margaret Workman was faced with what would turn out to be a pivotal moment in the course of her life.

Workman's path to becoming nurse manager of the University of Mississippi Medical Center transplant clinic was set in motion when a turn of fate led her to saving a life while waiting tables at Waffle House.

"One day, a man at one of my tables stopped breathing and turned purple. I realized I was the only one trained in CPR because I'd taken an allied health class in high school. That moment was formative for me," she recalled. "I felt nervous, but I also knew I could help. That was when I decided to become a nurse."

This resolve took her to Mississippi College, where she pursued her nursing degree. After graduation, Workman, a Brandon resident, landed her first job on the congestive heart failure telemetry floor at Baptist Medical Center. Working her way up from night shifts to weekends and finally to day shifts, she quickly proved her resilience and capability. But as her father's health declined, she spent much of her time by his side, overseeing his care at UMMC.

Workman's father was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx, requiring intensive treatment that included chemotherapy and a total laryngectomy. As she navigated her father's care, Workman was moved by the dedication of his care team at UMMC and the personalized treatment they provided.

"They went above and beyond to ensure he was well taken care of," she said, remembering how they even worked with companies to design a special trach to suit her father's anatomy.

Unfortunately, her father passed away a few months after Workman started working at UMMC, but she notes that the experience solidified her decision to remain at the hospital. "He pretty much lived on 4 North for three or four months. After he passed, I stayed at UMMC, and I've been here ever since."

Workman's time at UMMC has been marked by both challenges and growth.

"When I started, we didn't have a phlebotomist or a medical office assistant, so I stepped in wherever I was needed," she said.

"Transplant is a very busy clinic with more than 1,400 appointments per month," said Julie Kilpatrick, director of transplant operations. "Transplant clinic is the first clinic that has a laboratory, and a phlebotomy position added this year. Margaret has served as the phlebotomist and trainer since her arrival over a year ago. She is a very caring nurse and manager, leading by example. She has learned all positions and has covered all areas."

Her hands-on approach to learning all the roles in the clinic laid the foundation for her role as a nurse manager, where she now oversees a dynamic and growing team. Her role at the transplant clinic offers a different kind of reward.

"I was on 2 North during the pandemic, and it was tough. We weren't seeing many people get better. Here, in transplant, we do," she explains. Workman takes pride in guiding patients through their journey-from evaluation to post-transplant recovery. "We get to celebrate their small victories," she added.

Workman's management style is shaped by her own experiences of learning on the job. She invests time in training new staff, ensuring they understand every aspect of the clinic's operations.

"I've taught myself, and now I'm training others," she said. "It's important for them to know every part of the job so we can work together efficiently."

"Margaret works very hard in the busy transplant clinic, she ensures that the clinic flows with minimum issues, ensures that patients are well taken care of, assist in all areas of the clinic and is always a warm and inviting face to patients even on the dark days of their illness," said Crystal Phillips, a nurse in the transplant clinic. "Our patients look for her when they come for visits; she is their biggest advocate and never says no when it comes to assisting our patients. She is the first one in the clinic every day and the last to leave."

Workman's devotion to her work is matched by her commitment to her family. She and her husband, Trent, have been married for nine years after meeting as high school sweethearts. Together, they juggle the demands of two children-Garrett, 8, who is now in third grade, and Scarlett, 2-and a busy schedule that includes football practice, early mornings and her husband's role in the local volunteer fire department.

Despite her busy professional life, Workman makes sure to create special memories with her children. She finds solace in her hobbies, particularly caring for her 13 chickens. "They're interesting little characters," she said. "It's a good learning experience for the kids."

Workman said her son is particularly intrigued by his mom's work, often asking her "the hard questions" during their car rides. Workman recalled with a smile how he once misunderstood her explanations about what she does for a living: "He thought we were killing people to give their organs to others. That was an interesting conversation."

Workman sees herself not just as a caregiver but as someone who has a meaningful impact on her patients' lives. "I hope that in the grand scheme of things, I'm making a difference," she said. "That's my goal."

She admitted that she occasionally misses the "chaos" of working at the bedside, but she is content knowing she's found her place at the transplant clinic. "Patients come to me for questions before talking to anyone else," said Workman, a testament to the trust she's built with them. "They spend so much time here-they should feel welcome."

For Workman, nursing is not just a career-it's a calling. One that allows her to care, teach and guide others through their most vulnerable moments. Her compassionate spirit and bright personality make patients and colleagues alike feel secure in her presence.

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