Amy Helms
Interim Manager of Inpatient Surgical (3 South / 3 West), Clinical Resource Nurse
Franciscan Health Lafayette East
Graduation Year - 1995
Hometown - Monticello, IN
Additional Education - Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Saint Joseph's College 1996
WHY DID YOU BECOME A NURSE?
Since I was young, I remember always wanting to be a nurse. When we played school, as a young child, I always wanted to be the school nurse. I watched my grandmother taking care of her in-laws and that stands out as one of the first memories.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO ATTEND ST. ELIZABETH SCHOOL OF NURSING?
I wanted to jump right into training to become a nurse. I looked at other traditional schools that had you take core classes first, but the fact that I could start hands-on learning on my first day really stood out to me. Visiting them and their smaller class sizes sealed the deal for me.
WHAT IS YOUR BEST MEMORY FROM NURSING SCHOOL?
Sitting in Anita Reed’s office with my classmates and working with her towards my goal of becoming a nurse is something that stands out to me. The St. Elizabeth School of Nursing was family, everyone was very open and helped me personally, financially and professionally.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO NEW NURSES?
Everyday is a learning opportunity, regardless of where you are. And never give up on yourself.
HOW DID ST. ELIZABETH SCHOOL OF NURSING PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR CAREER?
I always felt more successful because of my hands on training. The standards we were held to as students were very high.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB IN THE FIELD AFTER YOU COMPLETED YOUR DEGREE?
I was a nurse in the emergency department at White County Memorial Hospital.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR CURRENT POSITION?
I love completing an audit and seeing 100% completion. Ensuring the job is done accurately and correctly is something I enjoy. In my new position, I am looking forward to the challenge of maintaining the high standards of a strong department.
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU'RE NOT AT WORK?
I recently acquired a new love for snowmobiling, so in the wintertime, that is my fun. I enjoy boating in the summer and entertaining family and friends.
HOW ARE YOU AND YOUR COWORKERS ADAPTING TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC?
We’ve had hours of planning, meeting, re-educating and restructuring our department (in personal and physical appearance). I see myself as a coach in the dugout during this time. My nurses are on the frontlines suiting up to take care of our patients. We’ve never experienced anything in health care that we are today and because of that, it is hard to be 100% prepared for anything. However, we’ve taken the steps to be ready today and better prepared for anything else that could happen down the road. I am so proud of the phenomenal diligence and work that is being put in for public, patient and staff safety at Franciscan.