What is your role at Sovah Health– Danville?

I am the Nursing Director of ICU and Dialysis. 

What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare? 

I’ve always known that I wanted to get into healthcare, but I wasn’t always sure I wanted to be a nurse. Both of my parents are nurses, so I watched them in their roles as I grew up. I remember spending many evenings and weekends in the hospital in my mom’s office as she did a “few things” that she had to complete for work. My dad was a nursing instructor prior to his retirement, and I recall going into his office at the DRMC School of Nursing when I was small and playing with his skeletons and mannequins. It wasn’t until after I graduated college with a 4-year degree in Exercise Physiology, that I decided I wanted to be a nurse. I still remember the day I told my parents that I wanted to go to nursing school and they both responded, “We knew you were going to be a nurse.” The decision to become a nurse was one of the best and most rewarding decisions I have ever made.  

What is a typical day like for you working in this field? 

A typical day for me is never the same, which is one reason I love my job. I never know what each day is going to hold. Some days are filled with meetings with the goals to make improvements to our current processes and ensure we are the best for our patients. Other days consist of running to rapid responses and code blues to help in emergency situations. But all days consist of spending time with the ICU staff and dialysis staff and building relationships that help us grow as a unit, as a hospital, and as a community.

How long have you been employed here? Have you always been in the same position? 

I have been employed at Sovah Health for 10 years in July. I started as a PNA working weekends in the ICU as I studied through nursing school. Once I graduated school and became a licensed RN, I worked night shift as a new graduate in ICU. After I had my son in 2017, I then transitioned to day shift in early 2018. In October 2019, I was promoted to clinical manager in ICU. In January 2021, I was then promoted to the Director of ICU right in the heart of COVID.

What are some of your interests outside of work? What is your favorite local gem?

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my 5-year-old son, Seth, our puppy, Slinky, and my family. Seth and I love playing outside and having Pokémon battles. On the weekends, we are either at a soccer game, at my parents’ house, or at San Marcos and Target.

What do you enjoy most about working at Sovah Health?

The thing I love most about working at Sovah is the friendliness of the staff and the downhome culture. At Sovah, there is never a stranger in the halls. It might sound cliché, but I love the family atmosphere we have! I also love that I can care for patients in my community. The community that I grew up in and the community that my family and friends live in. I truly feel each day that I am able to provide safe, quality, and compassionate care close to home!