Simmons Nursing and Dix Scholar Alum offers palliative care to Navajo nation

Simmons Nursing and Dix Scholar Alum offers palliative care to Navajo nation 
Simmons University, Boston, MA; 11/20/24 
Susan Perron ’18 came to Simmons as an adult student, pursuing her second bachelor’s degree. “I wanted a job that used both practical and critical thinking skills,” says Perron. “I wanted to do something helpful to humanity.”  ...  “I was a COVID-19 nurse throughout the pandemic, and it burned me out,” she recalls. “If you’re a good nurse, you take time to self-reflect. ... Perron took the opportunity and moved to the Hopi Reservation in Northeastern Arizona. Providing ambulatory care to people on the reservation meant that Perron could work in a clinic and take a break from twelve-hour shifts. That said, the year on the Hopi Reservation presented her with challenges. “I had to drive two hours to Flagstaff to get groceries. We would lose power often, and the water was often shut off for maintenance." ... Perron emphasizes that understanding the Navajo belief system is integral to this kind of work. In addition to Dr. Mohs, Perron works closely with her colleague and mentor, Ida Bradley (Navajo) a nurse who specializes in medical terminology in the Navajo language and has extensive experience with end of life care within the Navajo culture.