BSN , Master of Science Healthcare Administration , candidate , Capella University , December 2021 ; Administrative Director at Westerly Hospital ( Yale New Haven Health )
HOW DID YOU GET INTO NURSING ? I began my career in a completely different field ; I majored in culinary arts at Johnson and Wales University and worked for nine years as an executive chef at one of the area casinos . Although I will always love cooking , the role was not as fulfilling to me . I decided to do something more meaningful and where I could make a difference and began my nursing career .
NURSE LEADER
OF THE YEAR
WHAT ’ S THE MOST REWARDING PART OF YOUR ROLE ? Leading a team of dedicated , highly engaged employees who are caring for their community hospital and watching them excel is the most rewarding aspect of my job . We have all witnessed many changes over the years . It is exciting for us to be a part of Westerly Hospital ’ s resurgence . Much of that is due to the quality of care that we provide . I am extremely proud of the entire team at Westerly for going above beyond to the greater benefit of our patients .
TELL US ABOUT A MENTOR WHO MADE AN IMPACT ON YOUR CAREER . From the day I was hired as a critical care staff nurse at Westerly Hospital , Kerin Da Cruz — Westerly Hospital and Lawrence and Memorial Hospital ’ s chief nursing officer — has been my mentor . She has encouraged me to continue my education and expand my knowledge base . | | CONTINUED ON PAGE 75 >>
Nurses Have a Special Connection With Their Patients . It ’ s Called Compassion .
It ’ s the magic ingredient in any nurse … the ability to convey a calm reassurance and caring in any bedside situation . It ’ s not just what a nurse does , but how he or she does it that makes the difference in great health care . At CharterCARE we salute our outstanding nurse team as well as all nurses .
Charter CARE
HEALTH
PAR TNERS
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