Tell us about a patient experience that stands out to you?
During the initial wave of the pandemic, my unit became the Covid Rehab unit.  At that point, we were still isolating patients who were persistently positive. There were some patients who were in isolation for multiple weeks and unable to see their families. We became their only primary human interaction. It was at that point in my career that I realized the true impact of my profession.

What inspired you to become a nurse?
I was lucky enough to grow up with family members who were nurses. I used to love listening to their stories when I was younger. I was always intrigued by the profession.

If you could describe your Jefferson nursing experience in one word, what would it be?
Inspiring. 

How would you describe your relationship with your fellow nurses and colleagues?
We are like a big family. We may not always get along, but at the end of the day, we are always there to help each other. The last few years have been challenging, but we got through it together.  Although we struggled, we managed to laugh a lot along the way. I would not have been able to do it without them.  

Why do you feel philanthropy is important? Or, why is philanthropy important for the field of nursing (such as donations to the Heart of Healthcare - Nursing Fund)?
Philanthropy is important because it gives individuals an opportunity to do something positive which, in return, can be very empowering. 

What inspired you to become a nurse?
I have always been interested in the medical field, but it wasn’t until I became a nurse aide that I realized what nursing has to offer. I saw how nurses put their whole hearts into caring for a patient, getting to know them so well that they shared not only their hardships, but also their joys.

How has being a nurse at Jefferson impacted your life? 
As a nurse on BMT, I have the unique ability to get to know my patients over a longer period of time, and connect with them on another level. Our patients face some of their toughest battles while on our unit, but seeing their optimism and hope for the future even in the face of adversity is inspiring. Being a nurse has given me the opportunity to touch the lives of different people and make a difference.

Why is philanthropy important for the field of nursing (such as donations to the Heart of Healthcare - Nursing Fund)?
Philanthropy is important because it offers the opportunity for nurses to advance their education and hone their skills to provide quality patient care.

Describe your Jefferson nursing experience in one-word.
Compassion.

How has being a nurse at Jefferson impacted your life?
Being a nurse on an oncology floor has been very rewarding. Seeing patients appreciate and value the extra time and effort that you spend with them makes the job fulfilling. I never imagined I would be treating oncology patients, but now I don’t see how I could do anything else. 

Do you have a specific anecdote or story of a patient experience that stands out to you?
A patient was admitted after chemotherapy with difficulty swallowing and keeping down meals. We were able to work with a nutritionist to get the patient to enjoy a delicious smoothie. He was excited to be able to keep his drink down and was most appreciative of the effort from the staff. Although it was a relatively minor task, the extra effort was appreciated by the patient. 

How would you describe your relationship with your fellow nurses and colleagues?
I greatly enjoy working with my co-workers, colleagues, and managers as everyone is compassionate and always willing to help one another. Working on this unit has allowed me to grow as a nurse and gain confidence in my nursing profession.