Background
How long have you worked at Swedish Covenant Hospital?
28 years
Why did you choose Swedish Covenant Hospital?
I volunteered here during high school (we were called candy-stripers) and the unit I was on everyone was so nice and help me to learn about nursing. All of the nurses took me under their mentorship and let me help with many care activities and then one of the nurses would go down the hall singing Jingle Bells in July. The patients loved it and would join in and you got the feeling that every day your life had a purpose.
Has your position changed throughout your employment here? If yes, what positions have you held?
Staff Nurse, Diabetes Nurse Clinician, Diabetes Nurse Coordinator, Family Practice Nurse
Have you earned any certifications or made progress on the Clinical Ladder? If yes, how so?
Certified Diabetes Nurse
Involvement
Are you involved in any professional nursing organizations or activities? If so, are they at the local, state, national or international levels?
- American Association of Diabetes Educators
- Diabetes Educators of Chicago
- American Diabetes Association
- American Medical Surgical Nurses Association
Have you been involved in planning or administering any clinical studies at Swedish Covenant Hospital? If yes, which one(s)?
Inhale Insulin Study
Magnet
What does the Magnet Journey mean to you?
That the hospital is not stagnant and it is always looking for new opportunities in health care.
Why is it important to work in a hospital that is on the Magnet Journey?
The nurses are respected as professional workforce.
Is there a particular Magnet Force you identify with, or have witnessed in your workplace?
Nurses as Teachers
Are you a member of a Division of Nursing Team (i.e. Heart Connection, Trans4mers, Transitional Turtles, Team Spirit, The Outsiders or Team Vida) I am a member of the Outsiders. It has been a positive experience learning about what other departments are doing and sharing our stories with each other.
Do you have any stories from your unit of how Swedish Covenant Hospital nurses created a positive experience for a patient or another employee?
Everyday we are writing our stories with each patient experience. We have a very short time to make an impact of this person's life (health).
For Fun
What is your favorite patient-care program or service offered at Swedish Covenant Hospital? Why?
Diabetes program: We can educate patients to care for themselves and therefore improve their quality of life. When the patient understands and is able to get control of their blood sugars, the complications that come from this disease is dramatically decreased. We don't have a cure but we know how to control. Patients feel good and can live life to the fullest; and when you follow up and they tell you how good they feel, you know that something you said made a difference to them.
What do you like best about working at Swedish Covenant Hospital?
The people involved with SCH — from your co-workers who become your friends to your patients who utilized your services.
Learn about more Swedish Covenant Hospital nurses! >
