Ryan Capecci

Name: Ryan Capecci

Company: Franciscan Health Lafayette East

Position: Registered Nurse PACU

Graduation Year: 2011

Hometown: Lafayette, Ind.

Additional Education: 

  • Bachelor's degree in Organizational Leadership from Purdue University
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
  • Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
  • Trauma Nurse Core Course (TNCC)
  • Emergency Nurse Pediatric Course (ENPC)
  • Pediatric Emergency Assessment Recognition and Stabilization (PEARS)
  • ECG and Pharmacology Course by American Heart Association
  • National Institute of Health (NIH) Stroke Certification

WHY DID YOU BECOME A NURSE?

I became a nurse because of my desire to help people and serve my community. I had a lot of encouragement from my wife, Lilly, and I also came from a family of several nurses and doctors who were all a big influence in my decision to become a nurse.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE ST. ELIZABETH SCHOOL OF NURSING?

I knew St. Elizabeth School of Nursing was a cooperative program in terms of a diploma and bachelor’s degree. That cooperative program has given me a greater opportunity in terms of advancement for the future. From the research that I did prior to applying for nursing schools, I learned that the program had a great emphasis on the bedside care of nursing. That is ultimately why I decided to become a nurse, to care for sick patients at the bedside.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST MEMORY FROM NURSING SCHOOL? 

I think one of my greatest memories was a higher-level nursing class with professor Kathleen Murtaugh. I enjoyed her challenging questions during clinicals that made me critically think about pathological processes. When I started to understand disease processes in my patients, it was like a light bulb turned on and everything started to make sense.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A NEW NURSE?

Always be receptive to change. There are so many changes in healthcare today, so it is good to try and stay up to date on clinical practices in whatever area you are working in. Nursing also provides so many different opportunities and career paths so always be open to different options.

HOW DID ST. ELIZABETH SCHOOL OF NURSING PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR CAREER?

I loved how much hands-on experience I received as a St. Elizabeth nursing student. The clinical experience really prepared me for the real world and helped me feel comfortable providing patient care.

IF YOU WEREN'T A NURSE, WHAT WOULD YOU BE?

I would probably stay in the field of public service as a firefighter, paramedic or police officer.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB IN THE FIELD AFTER YOU COMPLETED YOUR DEGREE?

I worked in the Emergency Department at IU Health Arnett here in Lafayette. Emergency medicine was kind of a crazy place to start as a new grad, but I really enjoyed the fast-paced environment and the wide range of skill sets I was able to learn.

WHAT DO YOU DO NOW?

I have worked in the emergency department at Witham Memorial Hospital in Lebanon, Ind. for the past three years, but I will be transitioning into a new position as a staff nurse in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit at Franciscan Health Lafayette East in May. I am excited for this new opportunity and to work in my hometown.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR CURRENT JOB?

I enjoy the team of doctors and nurses I work with. We experience really good as well as really bad things together and it builds our comradery. 

WHAT PATIENT POPULATION(S) DO YOU SERVE?

I serve a wide range of patients. My wife and I have had two sons (John-6, Eli-4) since I became a nurse. Eli was born with Down syndrome and it has really grown my love for taking care of pediatric patients.

WHAT IS THE TOUGHEST PART ABOUT BEING A NURSE?

The wide range of emotions that you can experience during a shift, especially with the death of a patient. It’s very emotional trying to support a family after a loss of their loved one while also knowing you have other patients that still need your care.

HOW DO YOU SEE YOURSELF THROUGH THE LENS OF THE SCHOOL'S MISSION... CONTINUING CHRIST'S HEALING MINISTRY?

One of the greatest accomplishments throughout my nursing career has been flying on missions with Grace on Wings. They are a non-profit organization who provides fixed wing medical transportation around the United States. Their motto is “Showing Christ’s Love through Aviation.” I am proud to be a part of this organization and value every chance I get to go on these missions to use my skills and serve.

www.graceonwings.org/ 

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT AT WORK?

I love spending time with my wife Lilly and my two boys, John and Eli. We love anything and everything outdoors: hiking, camping, canoeing. I also enjoy woodworking projects and volunteer work. I participate on an emergency response volunteer team at our local church where we provide medical care during emergencies that may happen in our church.