ATLANTA — A local nurse who works at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta says she knew it was her calling.
Channel 2′s Berndt Petersen was at Children’s Scottish Rite Hospital Monday, where the Averie Olson’s life was saved in the very same hospital unit where she now works.
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Olson was just a little girl when the headaches began.
“They woke me up at night. I’d throw up from them. The pain was just that bad,” Olson said.
She was diagnosed with a rare disorder caused by blocked arteries in her brain. When she was 17, she had the first of two successful surgeries at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
While recovering from those surgeries, she became very close with the people at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta who took care of her.
“I just knew in my heart. I have to go through this so I know what I want to do when I grow up,” Olson said.
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Olson went on to attend Mercer University. She graduated a year ago with a degree in nursing.
She has now returned to Children’s Scottish Rite Hospital in the very same neurology unit where she spent so much time as a teen.
She says her life was saved here. Now she works to help save others.
“It was just a dream come true. Being here every day, I often run into my surgeon, Dr. Chern. I’m like, remember me? It’s very full circle. It’s awesome to see them and know I get to help and repay (them) in the way the nurses did for me. It’s just a great feeling,” Olson said.
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Olson required a third brain surgery two months ago. She says it may be necessary every so many years if symptoms return.
She had a quick recovery and was back at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta caring for young patients.
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