Where are you currently working?

My current role is Nurse Manager of the Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit (CTICU) at NYU Langone Health. My role entails accountability and responsibility for managing a team of 75 employees on a 34 bed CTICU unit. As a nurse manager, it’s imperative that I provide direction to the team, motivate each individual and look for opportunities to develop all team members.

 

Did you always want to pursue a career in nursing, particularly in your current field? How did your passion develop?

I know that my drive is to help others, especially during their difficult moments. I chose Nursing as an avenue in which I could do this. Once in nursing, I realized that I loved team dynamics and often my role was to woo. Combining the two, it made sense to pursue a leadership role.

 

Nearly every person in the field of nursing has had at least one or two A-ha moments that changed the way they think about healthcare, nursing, or their career—or just generally had a massive impact on you. What are yours?

The moment that greatly impacted me was after a negative outcome when I felt like we could have done more for the patient. The family hugged me, told me they knew this was going to be the outcome, it was just a matter of time. They thanked me for the care provided and told me I made a huge impact on them and their father. From that moment on I realized how nurses had such a gift. A gift to be able to connect with patients and families and give them a sense of belonging during their most vulnerable times.

 

What is the most satisfying part of your work?

At the current moment it’s two-fold. It’s seeing growth within individuals at a personal and professional level. It’s rewarding, it helps drive the profession and ultimately our patients benefit from that.

 

How did Penn Nursing help you achieve your personal and professional goals? What is next for you?

Penn taught me so much, the art of negotiation, how to work within an interdisciplinary team, and how nurses have the power to see things that others often can’t. I’ve used so much of what I learned to get where I am today and make me the nurse I am. What next? Well hopefully a Director role.

 

What is something most people would find surprising about you?

I think most people would be shocked to hear that I can be spontaneous. I once flew to Europe for 26 hours.

 

What is one piece of advice you would offer to current Penn Nursing students or young alumni?

Imagine yourself at 59, what would you want to be doing then that would make you the happiest? Set that as a long-term goal. Don’t set short term goals, instead look for opportunities that will help you achieve your ultimate goal. Setting short term goals often puts you in a box, and in that box, you might just miss the opportunity of a lifetime.