Salute to Nurses

 

There is nothing Susan Coyne, MSN, RN, loves more than being a nurse. Early in her 25-year career, Susan’s passion was channeled into seeking avenues for improving nursing care. Today she serves as Director of Continuous Improvement for the Cleveland Clinic Florida Region, where she is responsible for helping enhance both the caregiver environment and the delivery of care provided to patients across a five-hospital regional health system.

 

A Cleveland Clinic caregiver for 19 years, Susan moved from Ohio to join the Florida team in 2018. She has been actively involved in the integration of Cleveland Clinic’s Florida operations and the regional implementation of the Cleveland Clinic Improvement Model and its problem-solving program, SolVE (Solutions for Value Enhancement).

 

Susan is a member of Sigma Theta Tau and active with the Catalysis Healthcare Value Network. She earned a Master of Science in Nursing from Chamberlain University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Wheeling Jesuit University.

 

 

Perlita Cerilo, PhD, MSHA, RN, is a Nursing Operations Manager with Cleveland Clinic Weston. With over 40 years of nursing experience, Perlita promotes high quality care by facilitating patient throughput within the hospital and ensuring adequate staffing and resources across all nursing units. She has had a vital role in Cleveland Clinic’s readiness during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

A Cleveland Clinic caregiver for nearly 13 years, Perlita exemplifies the organization’s melding of clinical care with research and education. She supports nursing research as co-chair of the Research, Evidence-Based Practice and Innovation Committee and serves as an adjunct online faculty with Nexus University.

 

Perlita is a member of the Philippine Nurses Association of America, a board member of its Miami and Southeast Florida chapter, and a member of the Florida Nurses Association. She earned both her Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Phoenix and is a member of Sigma Theta Tau. She also holds a Master of Science in Health Services Administration from Nova Southeastern University.

 

 

Anita Gilbert, RN, has cared for Treasure Coast residents as a registered nurse for more than 25 years. As a Charge Nurse of a 48-bed medical unit at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital, her knowledge, experience, and tremendous compassion have contributed significantly to the high-quality care delivered by the hospital’s nursing team.

 

Anita was recognized this year as a 2020 Nurse Excellence Award winner by Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital for her unwavering commitment to Cleveland Clinic’s “patients first” philosophy. She is described as having a servant’s heart and goes above and beyond to meet the needs of patients and their loved ones.

 

A graduate of the Ann May School of Nursing in Neptune, NJ, Anita is driven by best practice and is constantly looking to improve care quality. She is a member of the Inter Professional Nurse Practice Council and the Unit-Based Shared Governance Council, and also serves on the Daisy Award Nomination Committee, which recognizes exceptional nurses.

 

 

Elizabeth Walden, RN, a rising star at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital, is a registered nurse and nursing preceptor in the medical unit. Elizabeth joined the hospital in 2016 as a new nurse and has quickly earned a reputation as a leader and mentor. She is a recipient of the hospital’s 2020 Nurse Excellence Award for her willingness to always lend a hand and her dedication to patient and caregiver safety.

 

Elizabeth chairs the Inter Professional Nurse Practice Council at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital, which empowers bedside caregivers to implement and maintain nursing practice standards, as well as the Unit-Based Shared Governance Council. She also is a committee member on the Research and Evidence-Based Practice Council, the Education Council and the Nursing Informatics Council.

 

Elizabeth earned an Associate Degree in Nursing from Indian River State College and is currently pursuing her BSN. She is a volunteer with United Against Poverty Indian River County.

 

 

Deborah Bryer, MSN, RN, is an ICU nurse with Cleveland Clinic Martin Health, specializing in neurosurgical and stroke patient care. A member of the Stroke Process Improvement team, she is one of the specially trained nurses supporting the Primary Stroke Center at Cleveland Clinic Tradition Hospital.

 

Debbie has held a number of roles during her nearly 25-year nursing career with Martin Health, but her passion has always been the delivery of bedside care. A proponent of life-long learning, she also serves as co-chair of Cleveland Clinic Martin Health’s PRIME Committee, promoting nursing professional development.

 

Debbie earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Central Florida and a Master of Science Degree in Nursing from Florida Atlantic University. Both a national and chapter member of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, she is AACN Critical Care certified and holds a Clinical Nurse Leader Certification.

 

 

Watching the healthcare professionals, including nurses, at Martin South Hospital care for her parents when she was growing up inspired Danielle Brewer, RN, to become a nurse. Today Dani is a telemetry nurse with Cleveland Clinic Martin Health and a frontline caregiver for patients with COVID-19.

 

With just two years of nursing experience, Dani is described as a strong new nurse by her managers and already an ardent patient advocate. Her can-do attitude, compassion and leadership skills identified her early on as a model nurse. She was quickly recruited as a preceptor for the Novice Nurse Program and has mentored several nurses in her brief career.

 

Dani earned her Associate Degree in Nursing from Indian River State College and is certified in NIH Stroke Scale. In addition to earning a BSN, she wants to pursue a specialty certification in high acuity care.

 

 

Dr. Karen Wisdom-Chambers, Assistant Professor, has a zest for teaching, practice and service to the community. In her faculty role, she works with students and preceptors to ensure nurse practitioner students are placed in healthcare settings throughout South Florida so they can be engaged and receive enriched clinical experiences. As an advance practice nurse, Dr. Chambers is devoted to providing comprehensive healthcare services to residents in Palm Beach County. Most recently, Dr. Chambers has been working with nursing students to remotely reach patients with chronic illnesses within vulnerable populations to ensure their physical and emotional wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic. She recently joined the providers at the FAU Community Health Center, where she is providing primary healthcare services at an expanded site, located in a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) and Medical Underserved Area (MUA) in West Palm Beach. Dr. Chambers is often seen in underserved neighborhoods engaging in community activities.

 

 

Dr. María Ordóñez is the director of the Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center, a state-designated memory disorder clinic and adult day center serving aging individuals and families living with or at-risk for Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias. As a Hispanic board-certified gerontological and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, Dr. Ordóñez specializes in caring for older adults with cognitive impairment and their families with a special focus on addressing health disparities and improving the health of all populations served. In response to the detrimental effects of COVID-19 on the quality of life and health of family caregivers, Dr. Ordóñez is providing dementia-specific care and supportive services through telehealth to help sustain their health, as well as the health of those in their care. Virtual services include memory/wellness visits and weekly support groups, including general groups as well as specialized groups for adult children and young onset dementia.

 

 

When Todd Wagner decided to study nursing, it was because he was looking for job security. Once he began taking classes, he realized that nursing was his true calling. Todd studied human health and development at Penn State University, where he received multiple academic achievement awards. He completed an RN diploma program at the Jameson Memorial Hospital School of Nursing and later earned his BSN at Western Governors University. After three years in orthopedics, stroke care, and telemetry, Todd served as a flight nurse of an air medical crew and later focused exclusively on emergency medical care. He currently serves as assistant clinical manager in the Jupiter Medical Center Emergency Department. In addition to his certification as an emergency nurse, Todd is certified in basic, advanced, and pediatric life support and PICC line insertion. A member of the Emergency Nursing Association, in 2016, Todd received the Daisy Award celebrating the extraordinary compassion nurses provide for patients. In his spare time, he enjoys competing in expert-level motorcycle road racing. Todd and his wife, Francisca, have one child, 18-month-old Valentina.

 

 

Josefina Milgroom worked in accounting for several years before deciding she wanted to be in a profession that would help other people and make her then-newborn son proud of her. Nursing checked both boxes. Josefina is a graduate of Broward Community College, where she earned an Associate of Arts degree, and Palm Beach State College, where she earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in nursing. She began working at Jupiter Medical Center as a nurse technician during her last year of studies. Upon graduation, Josefina became a staff nurse in the hospital’s surgical inpatient unit and later transitioned to the orthopedic unit, where she currently is the assistant clinical manager. Patients and colleagues praise Josefina for her collaborative spirit, her skills as a leader and a mentor, and her commitment to safeguarding the medical needs and well-being of her patients. Josefina and her husband, Chris, have one son Bryen, age 16, who is no doubt, very proud of his mom.

 

Ronela Arandela, MSN, RN, CCRN, is the Clinical Nurse Coordinator of the MICU at the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center. Arandela has been a registered nurse for 21 years. Prior to beginning her career within the Department of Veterans Affairs, Arandela functioned as a CCU/CVICU Nurse, Clinical Nurse Manager for a Cardiovascular Stepdown Unit, and Clinical Nurse Educator specializing in critical and acute care. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Makati Medical Center College of Nursing in the Philippines and her Masters degree in Nursing Education at Florida Atlantic University. Arandela is currently the President of the Palm Beach County Chapter of the American Nurses Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN).

 

 

Jarrod Reeves, MSN, RN, CMSRN, is the Assistant Nurse Manager of the Inpatient Medical Telemetry Unit at the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center. Reeves began his career at Woodridge Psychiatric Hospital in Johnson City, TN working on the Inpatient Intensive Care Unit as a Certified Nursing Assistant. In 2010, Reeves transitioned to the acute care setting at the James H. Quillen Veterans Affairs Medical Center as a Certified Nursing Assistant starting his career within the Department of Veterans Affairs. In 2017, Reeves transferred to the Community Living Center at the Portland VA Medical Center where he held an integral leadership role in the expansion of the facility services until assuming his current role at the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center in 2019. Reeves received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Nursing from King University. He is currently pursuing his doctoral degree in Nursing Administration from Capella University.

 

 

“Thank you Margalie Fontus, Assistant Director of Nursing, and Guerda Valere, Director of Nursing, for their tireless efforts in keeping the appropriate safety measures in place for staff and residents at St. John’s Nursing Center!” Rosemarie Bailey, BHSA, MBA, NHA, Executive Director/Administrator, St. John’s Nursing Center

 

 

Daisy Valdes Figueroa, RN, has dedicated 16 years of her 28-year nursing career to hospice nursing. A VITAS home care nurse since 2013, the Puerto Rico native goes beyond traditional healthcare duties to connect with her patients.

 

“It fulfills me to help my patients and their families through the difficult times they are facing,” she says. “I laugh with them as well as cry with them, and, I give them as much support as I can. I help them tidy up their homes and go to the grocery store.” Daisy also has extended her love of crocheting with the patients she cares care. On her free time, she has taught some of her patients how to crochet, “and they love it.”

 

 

Shawn Brown knew early in life that she wanted to work in the medical field, thanks to the examples set by her mother and grandmother, both of whom were certified nursing assistants.

 

She worked 11 years as a licensed practical nurse and in a hospice inpatient unit before joining VITAS as a case manager. A registered nurse for four years, she now is a home care team manager for hospice care in St. Lucie and Martin counties.

 

“The support and accommodations I have received from VITAS are like no other I have experienced before,” she says, describing a hospice career as a “calling.” “I love to love on my patients and reassure them that they are not alone.” That includes singing to her patients when they ask, and if she doesn’t know the lyrics of a song they request, she’ll find the lyrics and learn it. “If it soothes and makes my patients happy, I will learn any song even if I wasn’t born during that era.”

 

 

Daniel Mock sees nursing as a guide, a light in the darkness for people with health needs. Focusing on patient-centered care as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), Daniel has the ability to diagnose and treat disease. As an APRN, Daniel specializes in the cardiothoracic surgery field caring for the patient preoperatively and postoperatively. Daniel is a very positive person who tries to take the best out of every possible scenario. Looking back, he says one of his best decisions ever was to become a nurse. He has been a nurse since 2010 and attended Barry University. Daniel completed a Master of Science in Nursing in 2016. During his nursing career, Daniel has worked in diverse specialties including medical telemetry, medical surgical, general surgery, cardiothoracic surgery and cardiovascular surgery with chronic and acutely ill patients. Nursing has been evolving since the very beginning, Daniel says, adding that it is a career in constant movement because every day we have new discoveries or research to improve people’s lives. Daniel is adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner-board certified (AGACNP-BC). This AGACNP-BC credential Daniel earned is certified by the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification (ANCC) for completing the Consensus Model for APRN Regulation: Licensure, Accreditation, Certification and Education.

 

 

Lonna Sare knew she wanted to become a nurse after volunteering as a student at a local hospital in Indiana and followed in the footsteps of her grandmother who was a nurse providing care for her community. She enjoys being part of the moments in other people’s lives when her patients put their faith and trust in her hands, calling this a great honor which has brought such love to her life. For the past 20 years, Lonna has been a cardiology nurse and nurse practitioner. Since 2015, she’s worked at the Jupiter practice of cardiologists Dr. Craig Vogel, Dr. Rahul Aggarwal and Dr. James Gardner, Jr. Lonna specializes in chronic care issues such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia and congestive heart failure, in addition to cardiac testing which includes nuclear and stress echo testing on a daily basis. She is certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) as an adult nurse practitioner (ANP). For her education and training, Lonna received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Indiana University. Lonna returned to college and obtained her Master of Science in Nursing and NP (nurse practitioner) from Indiana University Purdue University (IUPUI) in Indianapolis, IN.

 

 

Ksenia Sokol always knew she would take a path to becoming a health care provider touching people’s lives while contributing to their wellbeing, healing and recovery. Ksenia has experienced numerous rewarding moments and highlights as a nurse practitioner, among them the realization that while she was educating and guiding her patients she was also continuously learning from them, helping her become better in her everyday life. During her nursing career, Ksenia has worked in different departments including neuro stepdown, medical psychiatry, cath lab and interventional radiology units. Being exposed to various niches in nursing has allowed Ksenia to broaden her perspective on her profession and gain greater insight on moving forward in her career. She finished the master’s degree program for Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) specializing in family medicine at Nova Southeastern University in 2014. Ksenia gravitated to the field of cardiology, structural and interventional cardiology and in 2018 joined Tenet Florida Cardiovascular Care (TFCC) cardiologists Dr. Ida Mazza and Dr. Thanh Duong-Wagner, and structural heart disease and interventional cardiologist Dr. Saurabh Sanon. Ksenia’s future plans include pursuing a doctoral degree in nursing to further her passion for teaching, expand her role and join academia while advising, guiding and helping others to succeed by sharing her professional knowledge and clinical expertise.

 

 

Maida Z. Castillo’s passion for stroke care being in 2007 when she was hired at Broward Health North as a nurse extern in the telemetry stroke unit. During her 13-year neuroscience career, she has progressed from staff nurse to assistant nurse manager to her current role as a nurse specialist and stroke program coordinator.

 

“I love taking care of patients and making a difference during their most vulnerable times, as well as providing support and education to the community, staff and our EMS partners,” Castillo said. My role “allows me to have direct involvement while creating protocols and improving processes to ensure quality care for our patients.”

 

As a result of Castillo’s drive and dedication, Broward Health North’s stroke program is well-recognized in the community. She is an active member in the annual Ranse Volleyball Classic that raises funds for stroke education, care and awareness. She also serves as the president of the Gold Coast chapter of American Association of Neuroscience Nurses.

 

 

Clive Horrocks, RN, has 30 years of experience in healthcare spanning from the United Kingdom to the United States. Prior to joining Broward Health North, Horrocks provided care in a colorectal unit and as a travel nurse in specialties such as pediatrics, pediatric oncology and renal transplants. At Broward Health North, he provides care as a clinical specialist in the inpatient wound care unit. He’s passionate about pressure injury prevention, patient safety and reducing patient harm.

 

“Nursing is the ultimate way of providing educated, loving care and support to human beings when they are most in need,” Horrocks said.

 

In 2019, he became a Certified Ostomy Care Nurse (COCN) and is completing a Doctor in Nursing Practice. In his spare time, he serves as a volunteer director on the Board of Directors for National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy.

 

 

Fabian Rodriguez’s career as a nurse started with a little push from his high school guidance counselor. She was looking for more men to join her new nursing assistant program and since he was not sure what he wanted to do when he graduated he decided to give it a try. Thirteen years later, Rodriguez continues to enjoy taking care of people and showing them how to live a healthier life. He fondly recalled a patient who returned two years after receiving care.

 

“It was amazing to see him,” said Rodriguez who works in Broward Health Medical Center’s CVICU. “He had been so sick, and there he was, doing so well, with his family.”

 

Rodriguez continues to push himself professionally and is working on a master’s degree in nursing. He is also part of the acute care nurse practitioner program and has a Certification in Critical Care (CTRN).

 

 

Joy Peart’s curiosity about diseases and how they developed led her to nursing. She has been working as a nurse for 27 years in various sectors, including geriatrics and rehabilitation, medical/surgical and cardiac care. Most of her career has been spent in labor and delivery at Broward Health Medical Center.

 

“I love being part of bringing life into the world,” Peart said.

 

With every challenge, she said, nurses are apt to “dig a little deeper even when they think they’ve done all they can.” It is a rewarding career, Peart said.

 

 

Chivone Hylton, RN, comes from a family of nurses. Both her mother and sister were emergency department nurses. A nursing shortage after the 9/11 attacks in 2001 solidified her decision to follow in their footsteps.

 

Hylton is the nurse manager of emergency services at Broward Health Imperial Point, where she leads a team of over 70 team members, including secretaries, nurses, technicians and paramedics. Hylton most enjoys interacting with patients and their families. She uses those opportunities to be a source of hope through difficult situations and to brighten their day with a smile.

 

“I’m fortunate to work alongside a talented team that is trained to take care of patients through any situation – including a pandemic,” she said.

 

 

Jamethan “Jamey” Bryant, RN, is a 25-year critical care nurse who works as an assistant nurse manager in Broward Health Imperial Point’s Intensive Care Unit. His service to others started in the United States Air Force. What followed was a college education and work as a critical care nurse in hospitals across the country. What most attracted Bryant to nursing was that the profession allowed him to positively influence patients’ lives.

 

“I am increasingly empathetic to all the families and friends of our patients regardless of their diagnosis,” Bryant said. When he’s not supporting patients and their families, he can be found serving as a mentor to younger team members.

 

 

When Natalie Wolin was 15 years old, her parents were badly injured in a car crash. Seeing how the intensive care unit nurses helped her parents propelled her to pursue nursing as a career. Wolin wanted to be able to nurse patients back to health just as her parents were nursed.

 

“It was amazing to watch these nurses care for every aspect of their care,” Wolin said. “I knew when I grew up that nursing would be my calling.”

 

Now, as an ICU nurse at Broward Health Coral Springs, Wolin is living her dream of coming to work every day and making a tremendous impact on someone who may be going through a very challenging experience.

 

“It is such a rewarding experience for me,” said Wolin. “The gratitude of these patients and families is truly incredible.”

 

 

From an early age, Cecile Kaplan, RN, knew nursing was her calling because she had a desire to care for others, including her dolls. “My passion grew and I knew I would become a nurse,” she said.

 

It was in college when Kaplan was writing her thesis that she realized her passion for infection prevention and control. She is the coordinator of epidemiology at Broward Health Coral Springs, where her mission is use data and guidelines from health organizations to better care for patients, hospital staff, physicians and the community.

 

“Patient safety and preventing infections has always been important to me, particularly hand hygiene as it is the number one way to prevent infections,” said Kaplan who has been a registered nurse for 36 years and with Broward Health since 2012. She holds a number of professional certifications in addition to being certified Six Sigma Green Belt.

 

 

As director of infection control and patient safety nursing administrator for the Ambulatory Outpatient Clinics at UHealth – the University of Miami Health System, Lissett Zelaya-Manduley, RN, leads the nursing teams at 80+ outpatient clinics – about 500 nurses and medical assistants in total. “My role is to coordinate the nursing operations, and ensure everyone is following safety protocols and best practices,” she said. “That is essential during the COVID-19 epidemic.”

 

Zelaya-Manduley was introduced to nursing as a high school candy striper, trained at Jackson Memorial School of Nursing, and joined UHealth 23 years ago as a research nurse. Since then, she has been involved in inpatient and oncology units, becoming a practice manager and helping to open new clinics. In April, she helped set up drive-up COVID-19 testing clinics in Miami and Deerfield Beach.

 

“Nurses throughout South Florida have really come together in this crisis,” she said. “Everyone is looking after each other. Nurses today are courageous leaders in this time of need.”

 

 

Elijah Virgin, BSN, RN, PMD, is on the front line of the COVID-19 pandemic, delivering emergency care to seriously ill patients. “Right now, we are seeing about half the normal volume, but the patients who arrive here are twice as sick,” he said. “Everyone is adapting to the new world we live in.”

 

Virgin was a firefighter paramedic and hazardous materials technician in Central Florida before earning his nursing degree and joining UHealth – the University of Miami Health System in 2018. He started in interventional radiology seeing oncology patients, before becoming emergency medical services liaison. “I love being part of the spectrum of care, from a patient pickup at home to hospital discharge and follow-up,” he said.

 

Last November, Virgin attended FEMA’s Center for Domestic Preparedness training program on Ebola and other highly infectious diseases, and brought those lessons back to UHealth Tower. “We expanded our biocontainment area and mass casualty training,” he said. “Now, our bedside nurses offer comfort and companionship to isolated COVID-19 patients, while delivering the highest level of care.”

 

 

Dayna Hagerty has always been interested in medicine, research and evidence based practice. During her time at the University of Florida, she volunteered on a psychiatric nursing unit and saw firsthand the impact nursing has in uplifting the spirits of patients and their course of treatment for the better. It was at that time Dayna realized that nursing was an art and a science, the science of medicine plus the art of creativity and human caring. Today, Dayna is a nurse practitioner in pediatric neurosurgery at Palm Beach Children’s Surgical Specialists in West Palm Beach. Dayna’s favorite aspect of her career is spending the one on one time with patients and their families. She enjoys taking the time to connect and answer questions and in helping to alleviate any anxieties parents and children may have with education and compassion. Most of Dayna’s career in pediatrics has been spent with surgical patients and her scope of practice has evolved with advanced education. Dayna has a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Miami, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from the University of Florida and is certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

 

 

Roberta Torres always knew she wanted to work in medicine with children and was inspired to attend nursing school by her mother, a licensed practical nurse (LPN). Roberta fell in love with the art of nursing and the time she spent bonding with her patients. She looks forward to going to work because pediatrics is her passion and she is thankful for this because every day there is something rewarding or positive to experience. Roberta’s specialty is in general pediatric surgery and she works directly with the Palm Beach Children’s Surgical Specialists (PBCSS) surgeons and team to deliver care for a wide range of conditions varying from congenital, infectious, and traumatic to a myriad of other specialized surgical problems. She guides patients and their families through the surgical journey which includes pre, intra and post-operative assessment and counseling. Roberta also leads the gastrostomy tube clinic. Dr. Anne Fischer, a pediatric general surgeon, and Roberta have started a pectus bracing program to treat children with chest wall deformities non-surgically. Roberta graduated nursing school in 2002, worked in adult medical surgical ICU and general pediatrics before graduating with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in 2007. Roberta worked in neonatal intensive care for several years before earning her Master of Science in Nursing from Seton Hall University in 2013. Roberta has worked as a nurse practitioner for the past six-years and as a nurse for the previous 12-years. She joined Dr. Fischer and the Palm Beach Children’s Surgical Specialists practice in 2017.

 

 

Latoya Dotson began her journey towards a nursing career during her junior year of high school learning at the time she had a passion to help others in need. For the past five years, Latoya has worked as a nurse practitioner specializing in internal medicine, HIV/AIDS management, advanced wound care and surgical oncology. Working in surgical oncology helps Latoya adapt to many different changes while building her self-confidence to work independently as well as collectively in a team approach to deliver quality care at the Center for Advanced Surgical Oncology in Hialeah. Latoya enjoys the many interactions with colleagues and patients where there are diverse cultures and languages she encounters while delivering care. She strives to build strong relationships and trust with her patients connecting and communicating with a holistic, interdisciplinary manner. Latoya says nursing is so dynamic and ever changing just like healthcare and that every day is a learning experience. Starting her career initially as a licensed practical nurse (LPN), Latoya worked to gain the experience and knowledge to become a long term care nurse manager and care plan coordinator. Latoya continued that role becoming a registered nurse (RN) in 2010, achieved her Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) in 2011, a Masters in Nursing (MSN) in 2014 and her Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Nova Southeastern University in 2017. She plans to pursue a PhD in the near future to focus on research advancement for the HIV/AIDS population.

 

 

Pauline Grant-Walters began her 25-year career at Holy Cross Hospital as a unit secretary where she served for five years. She went on to nursing school to become an MSN, RN and PCCN. Over the next 15 years, Pauline served as a nurse in the medical surgical unit, the step-down unit and the critical care unit. Today Pauline is part of the Professional Practice Department as a Clinical Care Specialist (2S/CVIMC) Simulation Coordinator in the neuro-telemetry unit and cardio-vascular intermediate care unit. As part of the telemetry unit, her team received the Holy Cross Hospital Daisy Award for their integrity and commitment to patients in that unit. Every day Pauline embodies the core values of Holy Cross Hospital with her compassion, commitment to clinical excellence and stewardship.

 

 

For Angela Savage, patient care begins with a thorough evaluation that takes numerous factors influencing health into consideration. An individual’s symptoms, medical history, medications, and the severity of their current issue are part of the initial consult and go a long way toward determining what’s next for those with chronic issues like HIV and Hepatitis C.

 

In Savage’s patient coordinator role, she also reviews antibiotics, lab results, and drug interactions that impact her evolving assessment, diagnosis, and education. “My job is different every day. There are always new medications to consider and things to learn. I also like that we’re able to build relationships with patients, sometimes over the course of several years.”

 

A nurse for 24 years, Savage has spent the last 11 within the Memorial Healthcare System.

 

 

From the time she was in the 4th grade, Cheryl Minick knew she wanted to be a nurse. At that time, her mother was attending nursing school and the then nine-year-old would tag along to class. Minick also had ongoing issues with asthma that would often result in her being treated at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, the same facility where she now works with epilepsy patients.

 

Back at the office, Minick sees a variety of pediatric neurology cases, including epilepsy, ADHD, headaches and migraines, cerebral palsy, and development delays. She’s always been involved in neuroscience and has a passion for kids. “My focus is getting them to perform to the best of their abilities. Helping a child overcome seizures or seeing someone walk who couldn’t do that before is very satisfying.”

 

Part of the Memorial Healthcare System for more than 10 years, Minick says it’s her co-workers that she most appreciates.

 

As a case manager at the Pembroke Road location of Memorial Primary Care, Annie Lunger is on the front lines of the organization’s approach to population health. Working directly with patients to facilitate active participation in their healthcare journey, Lunger sees education as one of the most important tools MPC can offer.

 

“Our patients are most often dealing with diabetes and hypertension, issues that can be managed if the individual understands how their diet, exercise, and medications impact their long-term health,” said Lunger. “It’s wonderful when they experience breakthroughs after putting our recommendations into their daily lives.”

 

Lunger says the primary care team is a close one where everyone has each other’s back and openly communicates. “We listen and hear, understand, put into practice, and then we celebrate victories together. I love that we’re able to make a difference.”

 

 

With two kids of her own before she finished high school, Tammy Scott Reese looked to nursing as a way not to be a burden on society. On her path to what is currently a director position within Memorial’s population heath initiative, she learned it also enabled her to give back to others.

 

“I can relate to those struggling personally or financially, since I’ve been there too,” said Reese. “Those experiences help me be a resource within our system. I love being a mentor and giving people the keys to unlock whatever success in their life may be.”

 

Reese says her reward is seeing people flourish or hearing that her story inspired them. Her work with Memorial Primary Care — where her team identifies barriers keeping patients from moving forward, removes them, and provides opportunities to get to a healthier state — pays similar dividends.

 

 

 

The unit Christina Roman manages as nurse manager is well acquainted with the tough medical assignments, whether it be COPD, CHF, or, now, COVID-19 cases. “The nurses in this unit face challenges and rise to the occasion. I feel I’m walking amongst heroes. They’re willing to do whatever is right, or best, for the patient, no matter what.”

 

Roman has been at Memorial Hospital Miramar for the past three years, after spending the first ten years of her career at Memorial Hospital West. She sees herself as the unit’s “mini CEO” and enjoys seeing the potential in fellow nurses and inspiring them to do and be more.

 

“I’m proud to be a nurse at this moment,” Roman said. “These are difficult times with patients and we’ve all had to make adjustments. But we’re still doing great things and I’m impressed with the attitudes of our nurses. They make you want to come in each day.”

 

 

Juana Mejia has been a nurse for nearly 30 years, but she’s never experienced anything like the last few months.

 

Shortly after taking over as nurse manager, the unit she leads was turned into a COVID-19 ICU. It was a challenge she welcomed. “Caring for critical care patients is a passion,” said Mejia. “It’s our calling to help others heal and grateful patients and families let us know we’re making a difference.”

 

Mejia has spent more than two decades within the Memorial Healthcare System and while she still provides bedside care, it’s the teaching aspect of the nurse manager’s position she enjoys most. A ‘professor’ to newer staff, Mejia has been impressed with their excitement to learn how to care for coronavirus patients. “We do what we do to have positive patient outcomes in the ICU.”

 

 

An interest in critical care nursing and the opportunity to be part of a healthcare organization that always puts patients first is what attracted Jason Thomas to Memorial Healthcare System. Thomas joined the organization late in 2018 and immediately took part in Memorial’s nursing residency program.

 

“I could see right away there was support for nurses from the top of the organization on down,” said Thomas, a graduate of the Chamberlain University College of Nursing. “Even now, with all that’s going on with COVID-19, our CEO and CNO are constantly checking in on us and making sure we have all we need.”

 

Thomas has always had an interest in the complexities of medicine and comes from a family of nurses and practitioners. He’s volunteered to be part of coronavirus units and is excited to take on something so new and challenging.

 

 

It was a little slice of humanity in the most inhumane of situations.

 

Victoria Pain noticed a couple married 64 years were both patients in her COVID-19 unit. So, she arranged to have beds moved, reuniting them, connected the couple’s children with their parents through video technology, and facilitated what would be the last opportunities for them to hold hands and say ‘I love you.’

 

The couple recently died within hours of each other.

 

“I consider it a blessing to have cared for them,” Pain said. “They were lonely, isolated, and scared, and I was privileged to be able to go the extra mile.”

 

Pain has been part of the Memorial Healthcare System for nearly two years and while she admits work on a coronavirus unit can be arduous, she is grateful and humbled to be in a position to do something special for another person. Or, in this case, two other people.

 

 

A healthcare professional since 1990 and former “Nurse of the Year,” Yanick Jacob has cared for patients through the H1N1, Ebola, and West Nile viruses.

 

“It takes a special person to do this job,” said Yanick, an ICU nurse that is now taking care of COVID-19 patients. “Some of the best nurses I’ve worked with are compassionate, caring, and empathetic towards the patient and his or her family. That’s even more important during a time when there are no visitors allowed in the hospital.”

 

While there is usually less time at the bedside of coronavirus patients and the personal protective equipment creates an additional barrier, Yanick says the nurse’s assessments are more important than ever, since COVID patients are at risk of multi-organ failure. “When the first patient left after a month in our care, there was great satisfaction in that outcome. It felt great, like we had really done something special.”

 

Jacob most enjoys the fellow professionals she works with, specifically mentioning Nurse Manager Phyllis McCall, and how the Memorial culture prioritizes teamwork.

 

 

Not everyone can survive and thrive in the unique environment of the emergency room, but for Khaulah Brice there’s nowhere in the hospital she’d rather be. “I’m an adrenaline junkie. Seeing people at their worst moments, stabilizing them, and giving them an opportunity to get better is very rewarding.”

 

Brice has been part of Memorial Healthcare System for more than 17 years, the first 11 as a trauma nurse. Currently director of nursing for emergency services, Brice supervises the functions and staff of the ER and coordinates the emergency management team during crisis situations that include pandemics and hurricanes.

 

“I love the culture and can-do attitude here. Whether it’s Memorial Regional Hospital South CEO Douglas Zaren or the ER staff, they’re always asking ‘what more can we do?’ and pushing the limits. We want to be the best for our patients.”

 

Four Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence Awards for patient experience indicate the hospital is doing just that.

 

Beginning as a patient care assistant in the Memorial Healthcare System more than 20 years ago, Yan Ramos has steadily advanced to the highest degree in her nursing career, Doctoral in Nursing Practice. Currently serving Memorial Regional Hospital South as an administrative officer, Ramos is ready when critical decisions need to be made after hours.

 

“My passion has always been ER, trauma, and the work that gets your adrenaline pumping,” said Dr. Ramos, who took over the AO position in 2015. “I have the personality for it.”

 

She cites critical thinking ability and being a team player as the traits that have led to both administrative and clinical success. It’s an approach Ramos will share with the next generation of nurses when she begins teaching at Utica College in Miramar when school resumes. In the interim, she has been instrumental coordinating mask and PPE donations from the local Chinese-American community that assist the efforts of those fighting against COVID-19.

 

 

Working on a COVID-19 unit is a daily challenge, even for an experienced ICU and ER nurse like Leah Curtis. “You realize the things we take for granted, like spending time with family, can all be taken away in an instant.”

 

The coronavirus experience has also reinforced how much she enjoys the teaching aspect of nursing, something she’d like to do full-time when she’s no longer bedside. Curtis enjoys the process of identifying the strengths and weaknesses of less experienced nurses, understanding how they like to be taught, and developing a plan that enables them to learn and grow for the benefit of themselves and patients.

 

“A unit is only as strong as its weakest link,” the critical care nurse said. “We need to grow our co-workers and aid their development because side by side we can tackle anything. We’re seeing that now.”

 

 

As the director of a pediatric emergency services, Lussette Dantinor is part of an emergency department that cared for 72,000 children last year, some of them among the region’s most complex cases. In an ER that busy, it’s important for nurses to be able to prioritize what’s most critical at that moment, but there are numerous other things that matter nearly as much.

 

“Of course, knowledge of pediatric medicine has to be a given, but I also want my nurses to be kind, empathetic, caregivers that are ready for what comes next in pressure situations,” said Dantinor. “They also need to be tough, because we’re sometimes dealing with life and death situations.”

 

A nurse since 2005, Dantinor has spent her entire professional career at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. She appreciates the commitment of both administrative and clinical staff (in Dantinor’s role, she’s both) to provide the highest quality patient and family-centered care and always do the right thing for those in their care.

 

 

As the nurse manager of surgical services, Siobhan Davis sees herself as a mother to the staff she works with. “Like your children, you treat them all equal, don’t play favorites, listen to their concerns, and figure out how everyone can work together.”

 

Her leadership style allows people to grow in their roles and improve themselves, most often by going back to school, something Memorial Healthcare System’s administration has always supported. “The culture in our hospitals allows us to pay it forward,” Davis said. “I’ve seen lots of transporters become nurses.”

 

Davis started her nursing career more than 30 years ago in her home country of England and has worked with both pediatric and adult patients during 17 years with Memorial. She appreciates the innocent view children have of their circumstances and see a resiliency in them that adults sometimes don’t have.

 

 

“I didn’t choose nursing, it chose me. It defines who I am.”

 

Marta Rivas’ dedication to her profession is certainly appreciated by residents and co-workers at Memorial Manor, the short and long-term skilled nursing and rehabilitative facility within the Memorial Healthcare System. It’s there that Rivas is a bedside nurse, helping patients get stronger, back on their feet, and to their next destination. “I love this setting,” said Rivas, who joined the manor community last August. “I’ve made great friends and learn from their experiences. We celebrate what they can do, not what they can’t.”

 

It’s Rivas’ goal to make a difference in people’s lives, helping them when they are most vulnerable and being remembered for her kindness. The mother of a special needs child, she understands the value of a warm smile, gentle touch, and care provided by someone committed to making a difference.

 

 

A desire to follow in the footsteps of a beloved relative is what drives Melissa Perodeau as she leads fellow nurses as the interim nurse manager of a COVID-19 unit.

 

“My aunt, Jacqueline Moore, was a nurse for nearly 60 years and took care of people until she was diagnosed with brain cancer at the age of 85,” said Perodeau, who was the older woman’s caregiver when she passed away. “I get my strength from her and she’s with me all the time. God planned it this way for me.”

 

Perodeau says coronavirus care is both challenging and rewarding, and she’s thankful to be a nurse during these uncertain times. Her passion is educating newer staffers and she considers it a calling to be a role model for those in the unit. “It’s my job to keep them safe and supported. We’re all in this together.”

 

 

Vanessa Quiles has been a nurse for the last 31 years, 21 of which have been dedicated to the Memorial Healthcare System. Currently she is a clinical specialist for the Intensive Care Unit, Cardiac Cath Lab and Interventional Radiology, but she also has a background in Trauma Surgery and Neuro-Surgical ICU.

 

According to Ms. Quiles, “All nursing requires quick and critical thinking. It also helps to be resilient, strong, and compassionate, especially now that we’re caring for those who aren’t able to have loved ones visit.”

 

Quiles’ vast experience, which includes having worked in New York City at the height of the AIDS crisis in the 1980s, has taught her to remain calm and support fellow nurses and technicians. “I’ve learned to say, ‘this too shall pass.’ Even when you’re scared, nurses have knowledge and each other, so we’re able to get better, push limits, and come back again the next day.”

 

 

Melrose Maxwell has been a home health nurse for the past 14 years and appreciates the more relaxed nature of treating patients in the place they’re most comfortable, but that doesn’t mean the job doesn’t have its challenges. “We’re on our own and working without the immediate support of fellow healthcare professionals. It’s critical that we have the proper judgement when making assessments and confidence in our skills.”

 

Part of the Memorial Healthcare System for the past two years, Maxwell values the relationships she’s able to form with patients and their families. In one instance, she cared for a man with cardiac issues every week for 18 months and the fear was that he might require a heart transplant. Ultimately, however, the ongoing care Maxwell provided, along with the proper medication, improved his condition enough so that he no longer even needed weekly visits.

 

“It felt great to take the patient from a helpless situation to one where there was the potential for good times ahead.”