Fertility Centers of Illinois Nurse Spotlight: Julie Wiese R.N. B.S.N.!

We love our nurses & want you to get to know them as well as we do, too! In our Nurse Spotlights, we interview each of the nurses here at the Fertility Centers of Illinois so you can learn about their backgrounds, a bit of their personal lives and to get to know them as a friend since you'll see them a lot during your time with us. Stay tuned for more Nurse Spotlights to come!

Here's your chance to meet, Julie Wiese, R.N. B.S.N.!

Why did you choose to become a nurse? 

To pursue a licensed profession that would be fulfilling as much as a challenge. Nurses are educated to be attuned to the whole person/ whole family, not just the unique presenting health problem.  The most current definition that reflects the evolution of professional nursing is from the 2003 edition of ANA's Nursing's Social Policy Statement: Nursing is the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities, and populations.

Why did you choose fertility treatment as your career? What made you decide to choose to help people in this way?

During my tenure as a labor and delivery nurse, I had been exposed to infertility patients at the end of their successful journey. For the next chapter of my nursing career, I sought to further explore the unique and complex field of infertility nursing, and alternative family planning options including embryo donation, gestational carrier and sperm/ oocyte donation.

What do you find is the most enjoyable part about working for Fertility Centers of Illinois?

It is a privilege to have a career in the field of infertility nursing.  I have the closest interaction with my patients and evolving research for best medical protocol. I am my patients’ advocate, the one they turn to for answers when they are in physical or emotional pain, when they have questions about their course of treatment or if they simply need comforting.   I am rewarded with long-term and sincere relationships with patients and peers, and by seeing the adorable children that develop from infertility treatment.  The warm, heartfelt moments that are experienced with new families recharge my nursing spirit and renew my drive.

What do you like to do for fun outside of the office?

Outside of nursing, I enjoy canvas painting, Chicago Bears football, and running along the Chicago area lakefront.  My husband and I enjoy exploring the national and state parks (biking, hiking, kayaking) and experiencing new cultures and food while travelling abroad, often in support of his musical career.  My personal life experiences, strong sense of family and friendship, and admiration for health and humanities have given me confidence and strength to help others unselfishly.

What’s one thing you would tell someone interested in learning more about fertility treatments, but might be too nervous or scared to take the first step?

Each patient’s infertility journey is unique to themselves and their family.  I advise patients to utilize the many resources made available by a fertility clinic.  Gain realistic treatment expectations, to enable moving through your unique infertility experience at your own pace and comfort level. Consider holistic therapies to stay aware of your mind, body spirit, and be mindful of your daily life and relationships outside of treatment.  For the majority of patients, the infertility experience can be rewarding and restore hope for pregnancy.