Public Health Emergency Preparedness Nurse
Jasper County Health Department
Rensselaer, IN
Why did you become a nurse?
I wanted to help people who didn’t have the capacity to help themselves. My grandfather was a paraplegic. Helping to care for him is where my passion for healthcare stems from. I learned compassion and empathy through him and I now pass that onto my patients.
Why did you choose to attend St. Elizabeth School of Nursing?
St. Elizabeth’s location, reputation and the hands-on experience they provide led to my decision to enroll. Nursing Admissions Officer and department chair Anita Reed was instrumental in my decision to go back to school. When I was an LPN, we performed sports and back-to-school physicals for a local, family practitioner. During our lengthy conversations, she encouraged me to pursue my bachelor’s degree and I’m forever grateful.
What is your best memory from nursing school?
I made so many amazing friends during my time at St. Elizabeth. The thing about nursing school is that you cannot get through it on your own: it takes a village. As students, we studied together, performed clinicals together and were in the same boat until graduation–together.
What advice would you give to new nurses?
Nursing is a career that centers on caring for others and serving your community. Do a deep dive to not only make sure it’s the right field for you but that your desire to help others is why you feel called to healthcare. After graduation, continue to expand your knowledge and soak up all the information you possibly can to always provide the best in patient care.
How did St. Elizabeth School of Nursing prepare you for your career?
Our professors educated us to always advocate for ourselves and our patients by being a leader. They nurtured and polished us to walk into the world ready to be RNs. It’s an institution that only wants the best for their students. That sentiment and those authentic relationships with St. Elizabeth teachers and staff go into the working world with you.
If you weren’t a nurse, what would you be?
I would love to study forensics and be a crime scene investigator. I’m fascinated by solving mysteries; the science and puzzle of it all intrigues me.
What do you like most about your current job?
I love caring for the residents of Jasper County. Although our current focus is county-wide COVID vaccinations, our team takes great pride in educating the community about all vaccinations, healthcare and how to make informed medical decisions because knowledge is power.
How do you see yourself and your nursing practice through the lens of the school’s mission of preparing nurses to continue christ’s healing ministry
The leadership including sisters, faculty and staff instill within all who grace their doors as students and healthcare providers that the work is always about giving. Regardless of who you are, what your checking account balance is or what is occurring in your life, I will always provide you with the best of care.
