Hometown: Springfield
Job Title: Nurse Supervisor, Chest Pain Coordinator
Where do you Work: I work on CVICU, ICU, ICU SD, and COVID 2 east at Mercy Health-Springfield Regional Medical Center
Describe what your day is like/what you do: On a daily basis, I try to help those around me. I see what is needed and I go to help get it accomplished. I love giving my time and strength to those in need. I am happiest when I am helping others. I feel a great sense of pride when I look back on my day and feel like I helped make a difference in someone's life. I try every minute to humble myself to help anyone that needs me. I love to make people laugh. I feel that I am called to help those who are struggling spiritually get through a difficult time. I feel that laughter is truly the best medicine.
What inspired you to get into health care? I was inspired to get into health care at a young age. I was able to care for my grandmother and there I discovered my profound love for caring for people. It was through experience that I found my true calling in life.
Health Care Hero: ‘I became a nurse to make a difference’
What's a memorable experience you've had in health care? I have many memories specific to my time as a health care worker. The best memories I have are the days that seem impossible, where nothing is going right — when my team comes together to save a patient! This is the best feeling to be able to see how teamwork helped save a life. I feel the closest to Jesus in this moment.
Also, the most rewarding part of my day is to be able to make a person smile. Co-worker, patient, physician, visitor, or family member, it doesn’t matter. If I am able to make one person smile or laugh, I feel that I have helped make their terrible experience more tolerable.
What do you want readers to know about your job right now? I want the readers to know that we are trying our best every minute to make a difference in their lives.
Health Care Hero: ‘I really love my job’