Sisters by Birth, Sisters in Nursing
Joanna and Mary Cho have more in common than just their parents—they’ve taken the nursing profession by storm, one already a UK graduate and one expected to enter the field with her BSN in December 2016.
“She’s my partner in the crime,” says older of the two by one year, Mary, who now works for UK Chandler Hospital. Joanna currently works as a SNAP (Student Nurse Academic Practicum) intern.
The pair came to the U.S. from South Korea in 2005 at 14 and 15 years old. At a young age, they moved to Kentucky from Michigan so their father could attend Asbury Seminary and pursue his career as a pastor.
Mary’s interest in nursing peaked after Mr. Cho had unforeseen symptoms of appendicitis, an unusual happening in an otherwise healthy family. The last time the girls had been to a hospital was when their younger brother, 16, was born.
“I thought, ‘I have to do something!’ This might happen again to someone in my family,” says Mary. “I loved the College of Nursing and the faculty as well. We don’t have family here, but I felt that the faculty was always so supportive,” she said.
As for Joanna, nursing was not a likely profession until Mary chose it. That—in combination with her father’s illness and her volunteer work at the Thomson-Hood Veteran’s Center in Wilmore—led her into the field only two semesters behind Mary. “During my time here and from my past experiences I’ve learned that nursing is not just about physical health, but more about therapeutic, holistic care,” says Joanna.
The sisters have grounded each other through a mutual understanding of what it takes to be a nurse. From working long hours, to caring physically and emotionally for patients, to continually learning new methods—they’re on the journey together.
Joanna has always appreciated Mary’s leadership. “As the younger sister, I’d say I’m the one who’s benefitting more. She’s helped me study, she’s cooked me dinner and even done my laundry when she knew I was struggling. She just always knew what I was going through and that was comforting.”
“I think it makes such a difference when someone’s following behind you,” says Mary. “I couldn’t fail in nursing because I knew I had Joanna right there. I had to leave a good image for her. She was always my motivation.”
The sisters continue to stand beside each other in a clinical setting and at home, but most of all, they’re always thinking about their patients.
“I’m excited to learn more about this field,” says Mary. “As a nurse, you might not change the world, but you might change a patient’s perspective of the world.”
