JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
During National Nurse and Medical Technician Week we spotlight Airman 1st Class Misty Furr. She has been assigned to the family health clinic at Malcolm Grow Medical Clinics and Surgery Center as a medical technician for almost two years.
As a medical technician, Furr helps to prepare exam rooms for patient care and ensures all necessary equipment is available. She assists with screening 12-17 patients a day, takes vital signs and helps with medical procedures. Furr also responds to TRICARE online, telephone and email messages to help resolve patient concerns and educates patients about their medical condition. She helps ensure Airmen are healthy and cleared to deploy and support the Air Force mission.
Furr was born and raised in Maryland and is originally from the town of Westminster. She joined the Air Force in January 2016 with a desire to challenge herself, go to college, and travel the world. Growing up, none of her friends or family had served in the military so they were very surprised when she decided to join the Air Force. She was selected for a medical technician position largely because of her background working as an EMT prior to joining the military.
“What I like most about my job is the awesome people I get to work with every day,” she said. “The providers are very willing to take time to explain and answer questions, the technicians look out for each other and lend a helping hand whenever needed, and the leadership is incredibly supportive, providing endless opportunities to help enhance my medical knowledge and personal growth.”
Her approach to patient care is to treat each person like they're a family member.
“My grandmother is in a long-term care nursing home and it breaks my heart to see how some of the staff treat her,” Furr said. “I know I could do a better job and it inspires me to provide the best care I can for each and every one of my patients. It’s a very rewarding feeling to get thank you messages saying how much someone appreciates what you do and it makes me want to work even harder than the day before.”
Furr stated her greatest challenge is the long hours, working 10-12 hours a day, five days a week, including holidays and weekends. She overcomes this challenge by always making time for her family.
“I like to spend my spare time with my husband and two dogs, going for a run, to the puppy park to play, or having dinner together,” she added. “Family is very important to me. No matter how stressful work is, I always come home with a clean slate because my family is just as important as work and deserve my time and attention, too.”
Furr has applied for paramedic school and looks forward to expanding her knowledge and scope of practice.
“I would describe myself as curious,” she said. “I ask a lot of questions and often google random questions just to know more about anything. I have a slew of useless knowledge just from wondering what things are and why they are that way.”
“I have the best job in the Air Force,” she explained. “If someone asked me about joining the service I would tell them to ‘Just do it’. I couldn’t be more thankful for the military community and I will do everything in my power to keep them healthy and mission ready. It is such an honor to serve those who risk their lives protecting me and my family.”