May 11, 2021

Breaking Down Barriers: EveryStep Nurse Megan Vang

Megan Vang, RN, serves as a maternal/child health nurse with EveryStep's Community Home Visitation (CHV) team, which is based in Des Moines, IA. EveryStep's CHV team provides home visits to pregnant and parenting women to improve their health and well-being. Megan has been a nurse for more than three years, and she has been with EveryStep for nearly as long. Below, Megan talks about her role and her love of nursing.

What inspired you to become a nurse?
"I became a nurse to advocate for others without a voice, to help break down barriers, to help ensure families have access to adequate healthcare, and help others find the resources they need to be successful," Megan says.

What do you most enjoy about your job?
"I love partnering with families and helping them find the resources they need to be successful."

What do you most enjoy about working at EveryStep, specifically?
"My team is awesome," Megan says. "I love working with such strong, knowledgeable and supportive team members." Through the CHV program, a nutrition counselor, a social worker and registered nurses like Megan conduct home visits to pregnant and parenting women. 

In a typical workday, what are some of your normal responsibilities/tasks? 
Megan provides nursing case management, care coordination and family-centered care, education and help to clients and families. At the heart of her role, she breaks down barriers so that families have access to the health care they need. 

Education is a key part of Megan's success. She helps new and expecting moms understand the pregnancy and post-partum processes; and she offers education on a variety of health related issues, such as disease prevention, infant care, and normal childhood growth and development. Megan also helps provide continuity of care, working with and talking to clients' other health care providers. 

"Some of the best things about working here are not only being empowered by team members but also, empowering families to become their own advocates," Megan says. "Helping to break down barriers, meeting each family where they are and helping them problem-solve." 

"I enjoy being a support person during times of need – being able to truly make a difference in the lives of families within the community. Being a maternal child health RN at EveryStep has allowed me to give families quality time, be compassionate, creative, and flexible in my approach and care. I can see how my impact makes a difference in the lives of others daily. I am truly passionate about making lives better.