Maria Daniels
Respiratory Care Services Coordinator

How long have you been with LRMC?
It will be a wonderful 5 years in January.

What is your role at LRMC? Describe a day in your life at LRMC.
During my work day, I’m a Supervisor for the Respiratory department. I oversee that protocols are being properly met, I audit charts and triage evaluations, and I do staff scheduling. I’ve also become quite resourceful at “putting out fires” as well. You could say I have my hands full, but I wouldn’t want it any other way.

What made you choose a career at LRMC?
I did my clinicals here as a student, and I loved the way Respiratory took charge of the patient. You didn’t have to call the doctor every five minutes to make vent changes. When school was finished, I thought I lived too far away to work at LRMC, so I took another job at another hospital. After a short time, I decided to make the move to LRMC. And it’s the best decision I’ve ever made. I’m doing what I set out to do in school. Not many people have that opportunity these days.

What kind of education or training have you received from LRMC? How was it beneficial? How has your career grown?
There are so many continuing education options available at LRMC. I started with the Patient Care Directed Program. I trained for a year in triage and communicating with doctors. Soon after, I was promoted to Supervisor and participated in the Team Leader Toolkit. I’m currently in the Succession Planning program. I really admire the way LRMC promotes from within. And I owe it all to the great education that’s available here.

How would you say you have grown in your career at LRMC? Both personally and professionally.
I’ve really grown in my field. As a Supervisor, I have learned to communicate on a whole new level. I’m part of the elite triage audit team here. And to reach this level, it has given me a real sense of personal achievement. I feel very fulfilled both personally and professionally.

What do you enjoy about LRMC?
The people I work with. Everyone is friendly and really enjoys what they do. I also appreciate our family culture. For example, at another hospital I worked at I didn't even know who the CEO was. I only knew his name. At LRMC, our CEO makes rounds and even asks how your day is going. One time he shadowed me while I did my work. It was really neat that he took time to see what our job was all about.

What is your proudest and/or most inspirational moment at LRMC?
My job is very rewarding. At LRMC, I know I make a difference in a patient’s outcome. I’m able to give my input to the doctors, and I know it’s respected. It’s a great feeling to know someone puts value in what I’m saying. I actually get to see my influence make an impact on someone’s life. That alone is completely fulfilling.

What makes LRMC different from other companies/hospitals?
The rules apply to everyone. So from top to bottom, LRMC takes the time to praise the staff for doing things right. It’s a very fair work environment.

What would you tell a friend who is considering a career at LRMC?
Go for it. LRMC looks out for it's employees, and gives back to employees when it can.

In three words, how would you describe LRMC and/or a career with LRMC?
Great. Fulfilling. Exciting.

What inspires you to come to work every day?
What I do for a living. Knowing that I make a different in someone's life. And of course, the people I work with.