What is your role at the hospital? What do you do on a daily basis?
I am primarily a hand clinic nurse, with some ambulatory care orthopedic clinic coverage when needed. On a daily basis, my role is to help patients and their families learn more about their diagnosis and treatment options in an outpatient setting. I also help prepare families for surgery and assist during post-op appointments. I assist with BLS (CPR) and PALS classes too.
 
What skills do you need for your job?
The skills I need for my job include a nursing license, along with faith, compassion, communication, critical thinking skills, attention to detail, confidence, flexibility, stamina and teamwork.
 
What led you to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children? How long have you worked here?
I attended a mock trial in nursing school and approached a booth for the hospital where I signed up to receive additional information. After that, I attended a nurse extern event and had the opportunity to become a nurse extern and have stayed ever since. I have worked here for 10 years.
 
What do you enjoy most about Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children?
The ability to do what I love and provide care and assistance to children and their families, regardless of their ability to pay.
 
What drives or motivates you to do what you do every day?
My faith in the Lord motivates me to do what I do every day. Also, the children and their drive to overcome so many obstacles constantly inspires me.
 
What was your first job? What path did you take to get here?
My first job was an event facility worker at a beach club. I helped prepare big corporate events, birthday parties and weddings. I graduated from college with a business logistics degree shortly after the 9/11 events occurred in New York City then worked for Kraft/Nabisco foods as a logistics supervisor for five years. The events on 9/11 inspired me to re-think what I was going to do with my life and what purpose I would fulfill. I enjoyed my business job, but felt like something was always missing. I wanted to do something that would have a positive impact on others and make a difference in the world, so I decided to start nursing school while still working in business. I graduated with my nursing degree and was accepted into the nurse externship program here at the hospital. After completing that program, I was offered the opportunity to work full time and I have been here ever since.
 
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy spending time with my family - my husband and three kids. I also enjoy spending time with friends and my life group. I love to meet new people and learn about their lives.
 
What is your favorite…

• Hospital event: The camps for our patients and families
• Food in the cafeteria: Chicken and dumplings
• Place in the hospital: Any exercise class - it's a good stress reliever
• Place to travel: The beach
• Type of food: Chocolate
• TV show: Impractical Jokers

What did you want to be when you grew up?
I have always wanted to be a trapeze artist in the circus.
 
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
Swimming with the dolphins in St. Maarten.
 
What’s the last book you read?
The last book I read was the Bible and The Connected Child, a book about adoption.

Learn more about the Hand Clinic.