What is your role at the hospital? What do you do on a daily basis?
I am a nurse for both Dr. Riccio and Dr. McIntosh. Every week is a mixture of time that I am in clinic as well as at my desk. While in clinic, I am there to support what the doctor needs as well as help keep the clinic moving. The best part is that I’m getting to know my patients, their families and what their needs are. While at my desk, I work by helping coordinate patient appointments with other providers, prepping and preparing patient charts for clinic and taking care of patient phone calls. I am an educator, a sounding board for concerned patient parents and an encourager for whatever it is the family needs.
 
What led you to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children? How long have you worked here?
After the pediatrician I worked for passed away, I was looking for a change and to expand my nursing career. I knew, most importantly, I wanted to continue to work with children. A friend that works here told me the hospital was hiring and I started in December 2014.
 
What do you enjoy most about Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children?
The patients, of course! I am blessed to be a very tiny piece of their life puzzle and watch as they succeed in their goals.
 
What was your first job? What path did you take to get here?
Through the years, I have been a nanny, a bank teller and eventually started working for a pediatrician in Richardson as the medical assistant. This is where my interest in nursing was sparked and I was very lucky to have an employer who supported and, more importantly, encouraged me daily to follow through with nursing school. This job has taught me so much about myself, who I want to be as a nurse and how important we are (as nurses) in the lives of the kids we help.
 
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love spending time with my friends and most importantly, my family. My 3-year-old keeps me on my toes!
 
What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?
I really do believe I’m doing what I was meant to do. But if I had to pick something different, it would definitely still include children. I thought about the teaching route once, but I discovered that it was not for me – teachers are special people.  
 
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
Well, I seem to be a homebody most of the time. I did grow up on a farm, so that itself was a daily adventure. I have gone parasailing in Mexico!