What inspired you to pursue a career in nursing?
I was inspired to pursue a career in nursing by my love for science and social connection with members of my community.
How long have you been a member of the Wisconsin Nurses Association?
I became a member in December 2025.
What do you enjoy most about being a nurse?
The part I enjoy the most about being a nurse is watching my patients make progress and get stronger.
Can you share a memorable experience from your nursing career?
One memorable experience for me as a new graduate RN is the friendship I developed with a patient who was on my unit for two months. He enjoyed going on walks, so I would make time in my day to help him walk in the hallways. Through our walks, we developed a great friendship. I will never forget how he would always yell “Hi Simmi!” from his room when I would walk past, even if I was not assigned to be his nurse that day.
How has being a member of WNA benefited your professional development?
Being a member of WNA has benefited my professional development by allowing me the opportunity to connect with other nursing professionals in Wisconsin who have different levels of experience and backgrounds than me. This has helped me better understand the profession of nursing and my potential as a registered nurse.
What advice would you give to new nurses entering the field?
The advice that I would give new nurses is to have patience with themselves. As a new nurse, you are absorbing new information and experiencing new situations every day. This can feel overwhelming, but it is important to give yourself grace because it is all part of the process.
What are your favorite ways to unwind and practice self-care?
I like to spend time with my loved ones and I enjoy painting.
How do you stay current with the latest developments and best practices in nursing?
I stay current with the latest nursing developments by visiting the ANA website as well as my employer’s nursing resources page.
What impact do you hope to make in your community through your work as a nurse?
I hope that through my work as a nurse, I am able to help my community members in various ways. I want to brighten their days during tough times, help my community become healthier, and connect people with resources they may need.
What does being part of the WNA community mean to you?
For me, being part of the WNA community means being part of a group that is dedicated to supporting nurses professionally and personally. It means building connections with peers and sharing experiences to help each other grow.
What’s your favorite way to spend a day off?
My favorite way to spend a day off is to start by sleeping in, going out for brunch, and then spending the rest of the day with family and friends.
What’s your go-to comfort food?
French fries.
Do you have any pets?
I have a Bernese Lab mix named Shera. He is five years old and is silly, playful, loyal, and very protective.
What’s your favorite type of music?
Mostly pop music.
Do you have a favorite place to eat in your hometown?
I enjoy eating at Kyoto in Greenfield, Wisconsin.
What’s something on your bucket list?
One thing on my bucket list that I hope to accomplish one day is skydiving.
