Hometown (where you live now): Springfield
Job title: Registered Nurse
Where do you work: Mercy Health – Urbana Hospital Senior Behavioral Health Unit
Describe what your day is like/what you do: I provide medical care and emotional support to geriatric psychiatry patients. I work on a team with other nurses and providers to coordinate a care plan for our patients.
What inspired you to get into health care? I always thought about becoming a teacher and the older I got, the more I enjoyed health and medicine. I determined this would be the best of both worlds! By becoming a nurse, I can not only care for people and learn more about health but also provide patient education.
Health Care Hero: ‘I became a nurse to make a difference’
What's a memorable experience you've had in health care? Some of my most memorable moments in health care have been caring for the dying patient. The honor in knowing they were comfortable and cared for in their final days can't be measured.
What do you want readers to know about your job right now? There is a huge need for mental health care in all ages, especially geriatrics. Maintaining good mental health is just as important as physical health.
Health Care Hero: ‘I really love my job’