Full circle of care: Megan May’s journey from inspired youth to ICU leader at AdventHealth Avista

Personal experiences and the desire to give back inspired AdventHealth Avista ICU Manager Megan May to pursue a career in nursing. Her journey began in the very halls of Avista, where as a child she watched her younger brother receive care during frequent hospital visits. “It was the nurses who made the difference and inspired me to be a nurse,” Megan recalls.

That early inspiration blossomed into certainty when she shadowed a nurse in high school. “I fell in love with nursing,” she says. Since becoming a nurse in 2010, Megan has carried with her a powerful piece of advice from a seasoned colleague: “If you ever think you know it all, you need to quit because you will hurt someone.” This wisdom has fueled her passion for lifelong learning and growth in the field.

Megan’s path to the ICU was paved with a strong foundation in floor nursing. After six years, an ICU charge nurse recognized her critical thinking skills—especially her frequent and effective rapid response calls—and encouraged her to transition to the ICU. There, Megan found her stride. “I love the autonomy of the ICU, working side by side with amazing critical care doctors, and watching patients improve,” she shares.

Working in such a high-acuity environment has shaped Megan’s perspective on patient care. “Patients can overcome a lot,” she says, a sentiment that underscores her resilience and hope. Even on the toughest days, Megan stays grounded by remembering what matters most: “It is always about the patient.”

To maintain her own well-being, Megan prioritizes exercise and quality time with family and friends. She also fosters a strong team culture in the ICU by encouraging independence and supporting her team in pursuing their passions within nursing. Her advice to new nurses is simple yet profound: “Always listen to others around you, learn as much as you can, and always participate in teamwork.”

Reflecting on her own early days, Megan wishes someone had told her, “Just because someone is not assigned to you as your patient does not mean that they are not your patient.” She believes in caring for all patients and supporting all nurses on the unit.

Megan’s story has come full circle. She grew up in Superior, volunteered at Avista in high school, and now leads a team at the very hospital that once cared for her brother. “I love that I am back at Avista as a team member,” she says. It’s a beautiful testament to the enduring impact of compassionate care—and the nurses who deliver it every day.