What inspired you to pursue a career in nursing?

In my childhood I had a wonderful consistent exposure to my grandparents and great aunts and uncles… experiencing them age and have various health care needs. With my parent’s commitment to family and generational interface, I was inspired to pursue a career in nursing.  Access to affordable care then inspired me to engage in policy efforts.

How long have you been a member of the Wisconsin Nurses Association?

I believe I have been a member for over 15 years. Prior to my time in Wisconsin, I was also a member of the New York State Nurses Association.

What do you enjoy most about being a nurse?

I enjoy the variety of contributions one can make to health and community services when being a nurse. Public health, community, family and individual advocacy has always been something that I aspire to improve support in.

Can you share a memorable experience from your nursing career?

My first two decades in nursing were in areas of pediatric and family care. One of my first patients was born prematurely to a very dedicated Amish family and community. In addition to the rewarding experience of being part of the team that cared for this child’s needs from critical care through discharge to home… one of the things that struck me the most what the Amish community support for this patient and family.  This opened the door for me to realizing that ‘nursing’ extends far beyond the individual patient, and our engagement in this profession can inform our growth as humans and caregivers in the health care team to improve our abilities in meeting future needs.

How has being a member of WNA benefited your professional development?

As a current educator, I always reflect on learning from others. This includes my colleagues, the patients and families and teams I work with, students, and the professional organizations I work with. The WNA and the amazing individuals who lead this group are consistently generous in their opportunities for nurses and students to engage in learning and participation.  My time with the WNA has enhanced my connections and participation in responsibilities that nurses can engage in to make improvements in support and access to quality care. Individual growth as a professional is part of this equation, and something that WNA membership informs on a continual basis.

What advice would you give to new nurses entering the field?

Be open to saying “yes”.  Some of my most impactful career moved were a result of someone asking if I would consider a specific opportunity. Even if this doesn’t yield a concrete change in direction, networking across the profession (beyond your current job scope) can open many opportunities for growth and impact in many different ways.

What are your favorite ways to unwind and practice self-care?

My first priority is my family – spending time with them and engaging in their life journey. This bring me peace and joy. Connection and active engagement is an important component of self care for me.

How do you stay current with the latest developments and best practices in nursing?

There are so many ways to stay current, but the foundation for this I feel is maintaining connection. This foundation is inspired by my professional networks, the evidence found in the literature, professional standards and professional organization membership and activity.

What impact do you hope to make in your community through your work as a nurse?

The impact I hope to make is a recognition of human, community and public need – and the subsequent advocacy work in policy and access to care. This, as we know, takes patience and perseverance.  Pausing and recognizing other’s contributions provides momentum and knowledge along this important journey.

What does being part of the WNA community mean to you?

It is a privilege to engage, listen and learn from those with a myriad of backgrounds and expertise.  My career would not be as rich without this opportunity. In each group (committee, task force. Board of Directors, workgroup) I have an opportunity to sit on, allows me to learn and coordinate advocacy efforts with so many outstanding nursing professionals from different backgrounds.

What’s your favorite way to spend a day off?

Time with friends and family, enjoying a walk and observing the beauty in nature.

What’s your go-to comfort food?

I love a great homemade soup in the months of fall when the leaves are turning colors and the breeze is brisk and active.

Do you have any pets? If so, tell us about them!

I do have a dog. His name is Max. He is a 14-year-old Teddy (mixed breed), and still very active and enjoys playing with his cousins. When he still gets the Zoomies, it makes me smile.

What’s your favorite type of music or favorite band?

I’m drawn to country music.  I think my affinity is that it is relatable to life. The genre never fails to remind us that we are human, striving to work toward or with relationships, and attempting to achieve successes with experiences through many different avenues.

What’s the best vacation you’ve ever been on?

My most valuable vacations that I have been on were family vacations with my children. We would often go to the ocean (Mexico, Florida, California), and enjoy the beaches and the peacefulness. Now, my daughters both live in the foothills of the Rocky mountains in Colorado- I consider my visits there vacations, and are truly my favorite to be part of their lives and experiences.  The mountains, along with the ocean speaks to life’s harmony for me.

Do you have a favorite place to eat in your hometown?

I grew up in a small rural town in Western New York (Cassadaga – population less than 500). Instead of a favorite restaurant (there weren’t very many restaurants in a small town), my favorite eating experience was when the community would get together for block picnics – along with picnics with my family.

What’s something on your bucket list that you hope to accomplish?

This is a great question – I don’t have anything specifically that is external to my life and chosen responsibilities. I wish to continue to engage in my family, work, community and professional efforts. I wish to play it forward.