SHARON E . GITTENS-DUKE
BSN , RN , Case Manager / Infection Control Nurse at Assisted Daily Living , Inc .
HOME HEALTH NURSE
OF THE YEAR
HOW DID YOU GET INTO NURSING ? When I was about eight years old , I spent most nights caring for my Aunty who suffered from seizures . At that time , I did not like the hospital or anything to do with health care , but I loved helping people . Then , at fourteen , I had a life-changing crisis when civil war robbed me of my innocence . I left my home and country with nothing but what I was wearing . Years later , in the twelfth grade , I was strongly led to go into nursing . To make sure it was what I wanted to do , I volunteered at the Meeting Street School as a senior project . I really loved it ! That summer I volunteered in the Women and Infants Ambulatory Care Unit . It was very rewarding and gave me more assurance . I went on to Salve Regina University and worked as a Student Nurse Associate at Rhode Island Hospital throughout college . After graduation , I took a job at the Pawtucket Memorial Hospital for about five years before deciding to come into the community . I enjoy spending time with my clients , teaching them about their illness , medications and how to care for themselves , and helping them get back to wellness .
WHAT ’ S YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR ROLE ? I get to spend time with my clients , help decrease whatever anxiety they may have about their current situation , give them a listening ear and teach and encourage them . The best part is knowing that you ’ re a light in that person ’ s darkest hours . I always want to leave someone better than the way I found them . | | CONTINUED ON PAGE 72
EMILY LOUZON
Student nurse at URI School of Nursing — Class of ’ 21
Affiliations : Certified Nursing Assistant at Clipper Nursing Home ; Westerly Hospital Emergency Department ; Charlestown Ambulance Rescue Service ( EMS – License EMT-B )
SENIOR STUDENT NURSE
OF THE YEAR
WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO GO INTO NURSING ? I have known I wanted a career in medicine since I was a little girl , but I didn ’ t become interested in nursing until around age fourteen . I researched job options and I liked the fact that with nursing I would not need to specialize . I have been a Certified Nursing Assistant in a nursing home for more than six years and I truly love working with every resident that comes through the doors , whether it be for rehab or long-term care . I enjoy my coworkers and being able to work together as a team to make sure all the residents ’ needs are met during our shift . However , I also enjoy working in fast-paced environments , and after being in EMS for six years and an EMT for three years , I believe I would love working as an emergency room nurse . Emergency medicine allows you to see diversity in the health care setting . During a shift in the ER , you can see many patients with different medical problems , such as diabetic emergencies or traumas .
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO IN YOUR ROLE AS A NURSE ? Being able to build a connection with patients . This will allow me to give each individual the best care that they deserve , including being an advocate and supporting them in making the right decisions for their health care . Also , I believe I will enjoy being able to meet different people with different cultures and getting to know them and their support systems . | | CONTINUED ON PAGE 72