Registered Nurse Helen shares her inspiring journey as a nurse manager at Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center, from her own experience supporting her husband’s unexpected diagnosis to helping resolve patients’ challenges.
Learn more about Helen’s experience as an assistant nurse manager in this special employee spotlight.
What inspired you to go into health care?
“Health care chose me. My husband was diagnosed with cancer and when I took care of him, I realized nursing was a spiritually rewarding career. And I decided to pursue it after my husband passed away.”
What is one of your most rewarding–or most memorable experiences with a patient–in your job?
“With my patient is, when a patient is in pain and you resolve the problem and the patient at the end of the day is grateful for the work you did and they feel that they’ve been taken care of. That is the most rewarding.”
The JoinMdHealth campaign focuses on three icons: the hearts, head, and hands. Which icon are you?
“My heart. I give it all. Definitely give it all. And I get so much back. You give it all and the reward is tenfold back because you go home satisfied that you are helping people.”
Could you tell us about your education experience?
“In order to grow in the hospital, especially to work in a hospital, you need a four-year degree in order to go into a management position and in order to grow. So I went straight to a four-year degree.
But you can start out with two years and then come and work for the hospital and you can take online classes and finish a four-year degree.”
@joinmdhealth Healthcare chose me, says Helen, RN, BSN. ❤️💕👍 Being a nurse after taking care of her husband inspired her spiritually to become a nurse. #marylandtiktok #marylandcheck #nursesoftiktok #JoinMdHealth ♬ Love You So – The King Khan & BBQ Show
What does a typical day-to-day schedule look like as a nurse?
“As a nurse, usually you get your patient. You have like around five patients, you go introduce yourself. You take a report. You try to get to know the patient first and greet your patient. The first encounter is the most important that sets your day. So, basically, then you care about your patient. You go to the first critical patient that needs you first and you take care of that patient first and you go down the list.”
With years of hands-on experience in patient care, Helen has developed a deep understanding of the emotional and physical needs of her patients. Her dedication to fostering a compassionate, efficient team has been pivotal in improving patient outcomes and enhancing the overall care experience.
Learn more about Helen’s experience on JoinMdHealth’s Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube Shorts, or TikTok.