Lauren Becker
Infusion Nurse Case Manager
CVS Health Specialty/Coram
Tampa, FL
WHY DID YOU BECOME A NURSE?
There were a few key things that happened in my life that led me to nursing. My mom owned a shop in Lafayette that fitted women for mastectomy bras and wigs. It was a place where we could surround them with love. I was proud to be a part of it until my mom closed the doors for the last time around 2000.
In 2006, my cousin was diagnosed with breast cancer. In 2008, she passed away at the age of 29. Soon after, my aunt, who was like a second mother to me, was also diagnosed with breast cancer. I knew I wanted to make a difference. That’s when I decided to become a nurse.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO ATTEND ST. ELIZABETH SCHOOL OF NURSING?
When asked why I chose St. Elizabeth, I tell people the reason was a little bit of everything: location, commute, reputation and the hands-on clinicals from the very beginning. Yet, the very best reason was that my sister, Kirsten, also felt the pull towards nursing so we went back to school. We enrolled together, became roomies and cheered each other onto the finish line.
WHAT IS YOUR BEST MEMORY FROM NURSING SCHOOL?
All of my best memories from nursing school involve my sister, Kirsten. My most vivid one was when I had to take a final exam, and she didn’t. Kirsten had a higher percentage in the class and was exempt. She is a night owl, and I’m not. Kirsten knew I needed a study partner for this test and stayed up all night to help me cram. She quizzed me, yelled at me when I’d nod off and encouraged me.
HOW DID ST. ELIZABETH SCHOOL OF NURSING PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR CAREER?
I was ready to roll on my first day as an RN because of the solid foundation my professors provided and the holistic approach of the curriculum. St. Elizabeth makes sure their graduates are prepared, confident and ready to lead in the healthcare world the moment they leave campus.
IF YOU WEREN'T A NUSRE, WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
I would love to be a realtor; the market in Florida is hopping with buyers and sellers. I also think I’d enjoy owning a boutique. I have so many fond memories of working alongside my mom.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB IN THE FIELD AFTER YOU COMPLETED YOUR DEGREE?
My first job after graduation was at St. Anthony’s. It was a small rehabilitation hospital for patients who weren’t quite ready to go home but no longer needed acute hospital care. The smaller size of the facility gave me the chance to become comfortable as an RN.
WHAT DO YOU DO NOW?
I work for CVS Health Specialty/Coram as an infusion nurse case manager. Rather than patients traveling to their doctor’s office, I visit their homes and perform immunoglobulin infusions or administer IV antibiotics. I also manage central lines, making sure patient ports are clean and functioning correctly. I was fascinated by this sector of healthcare. A recruiter reached out to me about the position after seeing my resume online and I’m so thankful they did.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR CURRENT JOB?
I have learned so much from the nurses in this homecare sector. What I love most about my job is that I teach patients and their loved ones about the infusion process so they can perform them on their own. Seeing them take control of their healthcare and be autonomous makes me feel like I’ve done a good job.
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?
I serve all my patients with compassion. When they feel crummy or are having a bad day, I know that isn’t about me. When you don’t feel well some days are better than others. No matter what, I bring them my best and brightest self every time I’m in their company.