I came to WMC twenty-seven years into my career as an ICU nurse. While professional change can be difficult, I recognized that I needed to work in a network that valued how nurses could promote positive changes.

Three years later, I have been able to create a compassion fatigue program for nurses, partnered with the chief medical residents to build a successful mock code program, presented to the American Association of Critical Care Nurses how we have changed patient outcomes in the regard of code blue responses, and have mentored more than 200 nurses in the division of cardiology and cardiothoracic medicine. 

I feel valued here at WMCHealth more so than at any other point in my career. Each of our bests is still yet to come, and I’m happy to do so at WMCHealth.

I am proud to be part of WMCHealth, as my daughter was a patient and “frequent flyer” at the medical center, taken care of by some of the best. She was even part of the opening of the new Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital. The care and love she received can never be compared. I am proud to work here in honor of my daughter, who lost her battle to cystic fibrosis in 2019 at the age of 25. Had it not been for her courage and the care she received, I wouldn’t have had her past 16. I may not have a clinical role in my job, but I will give it all to help a patient to ease any stress so they can focus on feeling better.

Working at the front desk and being the first contact for people, you get to know the patients and family members and you share in their happy and sad moments. The best part is seeing people come back to say thank you to the WMCHealth staff members who cared for them during and after their surgery, healing, treatment, etc. It is really awesome.

There are many stories, but one that just touched my heart this week was when a father whose little baby recently passed away stopped by to go to medical records. He also took the time to visit WMCHealth staff members to say thank you for the support they received during and after. This is what makes me love this hospital and WMCHealth.

Since starting nursing school, I have always wanted to work at WMCHealth. When we would go around the classroom and share what kind of nurse we wanted to be, everyone had specialties selected, whether it was pediatrics, emergency room, or behavioral health. My response was always, “I don’t really know, as long as I am at Westchester Medical Center.” I knew that at Westchester I would have the opportunity to work in almost any area and be able to help some of the most complex patients in our community. 

I started my career at WMCHealth in the Neurocritical Care Intensive Care Unit and was given the opportunity to work in a leadership position here in the Intraabdominal Transplant and Surgical Oncology Unit. I love that Westchester gave me the skills and tools to grow in my career, and I feel very lucky to work for an organization that has supported my professional development. The team at 7 North is truly a family; we all work together towards our ultimate goal of providing the best care to our community.