Finding Her Fit in Emergency Care

What made you consider nursing as a career?

Ever since I was a young child I was fascinated with helping others. My grandmother was a patient care representative at CAMC, my mother is an MLT at CAMC, and my aunt is a nurse.

Did you have an ah-ha moment about wanting to become a nurse?

Not really an ah-ha moment about becoming a nurse but I have had several ah-ha moments within my career. I started out as a new graduate at CAMC General ED. It was exciting and fast-paced — everything I had waited for during nursing school. It was there that I fell in love with trauma. I thought that being an ER nurse was what I wanted coming out of school, but I knew the moment that I began there that was exactly where I needed to be.

Why did you choose WVU School of Nursing?

I had a rough go getting into a nursing program. At the time I was entering, it was a highly competitive.  Montgomery Campus was close enough that I was able to live at home and commute, plus the campus being in a small town that is beautiful was a perk for those days of studying by the big windows in the Orndorff Hall. 

Could you share a positive experience from your time at the SON?

The staff was so supportive and wanted to see you excel. I had an unfortunate fall in the beginning of my sophomore year in which I broke my foot. Unfortunately, I had to sit out that semester due to being in a boot for 12 weeks, but several of the staff reached out to check in on me frequently.

What’s one piece of advice you would give your freshman self?

My new favorite saying is “I Got This." I started using it during my recent advancement in my career.  I think remembering that we’re all human, make mistakes, and even fail at times — that if you keep pushing and believing in yourself you too “Got This.”

How has what you learned at WVU SON helped you in your career?

I am currently the Emergency Department manager at the only Type “B” facility in the state of West Virginia. St. Francis Emergency Department opened back on 2/14/22. In using my degree obtained from WVU, I was able to effectively collaborate with administration, the new medical director, and a wonderful nursing staff to successfully open an additional facility in which the community can seek Emergency Medical treatment. Our goal at St. Francis Hospital Emergency Department is to assist other Emergency Departments in our area to decrease wait times while providing high quality emergency services to our community. 

Could you tell me more about your career?

Prior to taking on the role of ED Manager at St. Francis Hospital, I have worked at Thomas Memorial Hospital as the Trauma Coordinator since 2019 and have been a part of the Thomas Memorial Hospital team since May 2010 starting at St. Francis ED. Coming full circle from staff nurse to ED manager is a dream come true and I’m so happy to be part of the Thomas Memorial family.