Registered Nurse/Within-the-Team Leader
Emergency Department
How long have you been with LRMC?
Over 8 years.
What is your role at LRMC? Describe a day-in-your-life at LRMC.
I’m both a Charge Nurse and a Trauma Nurse in the ED. Needless to say, my day is hectic. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. Each day it’s non-stop, constantly moving action. Since I’m on the Trauma Team, I respond to unpredictable Trauma Alerts. I also work on the critical care side in the ED, so I take care of stroke and cardiac alerts. Talk about an important job. To add to that, I’m also a Charge Nurse. Although, I feel like an air traffic controller sometimes. My job is to keep everything running smoothly for staff, physicians and patient placements. It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it. And I’m glad it’s me.
What made you choose a career at LRMC?
I became interested in nursing when a friend of mine became ill and ultimately passed. I’d been a banker for almost 25 years, but watching the care provided for my friend by all the medical professionals piqued my interest. The banking industry was changing and there was little job security, so I quit and went back to school. I ended up doing my clinicals at LRMC. I was so impressed with the hospital and staff, I had to join them.
What kind of education or training have you received from LRMC? How was it beneficial? How has your career grown?
I was able to get my trauma certification, which allows me to be a member of the Trauma Team. I also have my ACLS, which allows me to care for cardiac patients.
How would you say you’ve grown in your career at LRMC? Both personally and professionally.
I’ve gained tons of confidence in myself. In trauma, or any medical situation, you have to rely on that to make decisions in critical situations. I take pride in whatever I do, and through LRMC I’m able to be the best at whatever I do.
What do you enjoy about LRMC?
I like the satisfaction of knowing I’ve made a difference in my patients’ lives. And I really enjoy the people I work with and my patients.
What is your proudest and/or most inspirational moment at LRMC?
My proudest moment was becoming a Trauma Team member. It was not an easy course to complete. My most inspirational moment was watching other experienced nurses. I saw them create good outcomes for patients, react to situations and making difference, picking up on subtle clues and stopping problems before they became worse. I wanted to do that and it just reconfirmed my decision to switch from banking and become a nurse.
What makes LRMC different from other companies/hospitals?
LRMC truly cares about its people. I’ve never had any other organization ask so frequently the opinions of their people. We talk, and they listen. I also have a great schedule!
What would you tell a friend who is considering a career at LRMC?
Definitely consider it. It’s a good organization to work for.
In three words, how would you describe LRMC and/or a career with LRMC?
Exciting. Fun. Challenging.
What inspires you to come to work every day.
I have the opportunity to help people, and even save lives.