Tameshia left a lasting impression on me, and I won’t soon forget her. She is kind, empathetic, and incredibly brave. While others sleep, she’s on the front lines of the ER, helping to save lives. And she’s not stopping there—she’s currently in school to become an ER nurse, driven by her passion to do even more.
Name: Tameshia
Occupation: ER Technician, Future ER Nurse
Background:
Tameshia’s path to healthcare wasn’t a straight line. She initially planned to become a journalist and even earned enough credits for a communications degree. However, after having her daughter, she realized she wanted a stable and fulfilling career that allowed her to help others in a hands-on way. She became a Medical Assistant in 2007 and worked in doctors’ offices for 14 years before transitioning to the ER.
How She Started in the ER:
Tameshia left her Medical Assistant job when she enrolled in nursing school. She chose the ER because working nights allowed her to attend school during the day. Once there, she thrived in the fast-paced environment and now plans to continue working in the ER as a nurse after graduation.
What Her Job Entails:
Tameshia works 3 PM to 3 AM. She rotates between Pediatrics, the Main ER, Fast Track, and the Behavioral Health Unit, handling patient check-ins, transporting trauma victims, taking vitals, and monitoring conditions.
Handling Emergencies: In life-threatening cases like gunshot wounds, she and her team act fast—rushing outside with a stretcher, assessing patients, and getting them to care immediately. Saving lives is always the priority.
Staying Calm Under Pressure: When families panic, Tameshia remains focused, using a calm voice to reassure them while gathering vital information. She thrives in high-pressure moments, letting adrenaline keep her in the zone.
Working in Behavioral Health:Tameshia monitors patients experiencing crises, ensuring their safety. She finds this work especially meaningful, as many patients are Black and feel more comfortable opening up to her.
Caring for Pediatric Patients:The hardest cases involve children—especially those facing neglect or mental health struggles. Some teens come in after suicide attempts, feeling unheard at home. These moments stay with her.
Vital Signs & Patient Care:Tameshia checks vitals every two hours, ensuring early detection of complications. Accuracy is crucial, so she always double-checks readings before alerting nurses.
What She Loves About Her Job:
“The patients,” Tameshia said without hesitation. She sees people from all walks of life, and being able to help them means everything to her.
Biggest Challenge:
The hardest part of her job is knowing she can’t do more. As an ER Technician, she is limited in the level of care she can provide, which is why she is working toward becoming a nurse. “I want to provide even more care,” she said.
Advice to Other Black Women Who Want to Work in Healthcare:
Be prepared to work hard and stay dedicated—Black women sometimes face additional challenges, but perseverance and confidence go a long way.
Strive for excellence by mastering your role and continuously expanding your knowledge.
Build strong professional relationships while keeping your focus on your work and growth first.
Future Goals:
Tameshia is currently finishing her last prerequisites and hopes to start nursing school in the fall. In about a year and a half, she’ll be a nurse—and she already knows she wants to stay in the ER. “I’ve always wanted to work in the ER, and this job has confirmed that it’s where I belong,” she said.
Fun Fact:
Tameshia is a huge hockey fan! She follows the University of Michigan and the Detroit Red Wings and even travels for games. She’s also a member of Black Girl Hockey, a Facebook group that connects Black women who love the sport.