Medical Career Experience & Current Employment:  I’ve been a Registered Nurse at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center since 2005. I spent 17 years as a cardiothoracic nurse in the ICU, then transitioned to the Recovery Room, where I now serve as the Unit Based Educator. In the COVID years, education at hospitals was less of a priority due to staffing shortages and patient volumes. Since then, education within the Recovery Room unit has been revamped, placing a renewed emphasis on skill sessions and establishing a consistent schedule for learning new technologies, equipment, and procedures. In my capacity, I orchestrate educational sessions, act as an instructor, and simultaneously contribute to patient care as a staff nurse. This role, which blends aspects of both staff responsibilities and leadership, provides a dynamic environment for personal development while ensuring the continual refinement of my skills and firsthand knowledge of the activities in my unit.

I was also certified as an Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) specialist. 

Education: Bachelors in Science, Salem State University

What initially drew you to a career in nursing? According to my Dad, I’ve been saying I wanted to be a nurse since I was two years old. Then, when I was in high school, my grandmother had some health issues, where she had to undergo dialysis. I found myself captivated by the nurses, impressed by their kindness, expertise, and proficiency. I think personal encounters like these fuel the passion and curiosity of many to pursue a career in healthcare.

In relation to nursing, one consistently comes across the statement, “The profession of nursing is a commitment to life-long learning.”  Is it challenging to keep up to date? Navigating the vast amount of available information can be daunting. As the Unit Based Educator, I serve as a resource for nursing staff, assisting them in researching topics and condensing information into manageable pieces. I prioritize being available for staff to ask questions, and although I may not always have an immediate answer, I am dedicated to finding one for them. Nurses are also innovators, applying creativity and critical thinking to quickly address complex healthcare challenges effectively. We also work closely with the national organization for our unit, The American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses (ASPAN), to keep up to date on education, research, clinical practice expertise, and standards for our role. All nurses need educational credits to maintain their license, and the national organization will provide several options to satisfy those requirements. 

My hospital also offers innovative methods to fulfill Continuing Education (CE) requirements through a program called Nursing Grand Rounds. These sessions feature presentations by various staff members, including physicians, nurses, and other professionals. They are recorded, allowing staff to access valuable learning opportunities and earn CE credits at their convenience.

Teaching Background:  

• Why ACLS Academy, and when did you join?  In 2014, a colleague of mine referred me to ACLS Academy. I had been searching to become an instructor and needed help finding a place to get certified. Shelley helped me take the path to becoming an instructor, and I am forever grateful! Shelley and Chad embody remarkable qualities—generosity, honesty, and kindness—that make collaborating with them a joy. Their impact on the community is profound, evident through ALCS Academy and their tireless volunteer efforts. Their commitment extends to both students and instructors, desiring the success of every one of them. With their Instructors, they foster an environment where everyone is encouraged and supported to pursue further education or professional endeavors. It's no surprise that many instructors have remained with them for an extended period; their dedication speaks volumes.

• What courses do you teach, and are you in training to teach at ACLS?  BLS, ACLS, and PALS.

• Stories or favorite part of teaching? Learning from my students.

Training Secret Sauce:  Setting expectations at the beginning of the class. I am very explicit about what will be expected in the skills session, ensuring that participants grasp the material thoroughly. Safety is my top priority, and I stress that lack of preparation may fail, as I cannot permit putting potential patients at risk with unsafe practices.

Based on your experience, what advice would you give to aspiring nurses who are just beginning their careers? Approach your career with a receptive mindset. While you may start with a specific focus for your practice in mind, remain open to the possibility of discovering new specialties along the way. I strongly encourage new nurses to embrace a journey where the destination may be uncertain but filled with potential opportunities.

Family Life: I am married with two little girls and a dog named Lucky! Birthdays are special for us since my oldest was born on 12-12-12, and Lucky was Valentine’s Day! 

Favorite things outside of work? Anything outdoors. I love the sunshine. In the summer you can find my family at the beach. In winter, we love skiing. Whenever possible, I enormously enjoy taking my dog Lucky for walks on the beach.

Preferred Music Genre or Favorite Performers: I love all music but can’t say I have a favorite genre. My first concert was Elton John at nine years old, but then I’ve seen Pearl Jam several times and am hoping to see them this summer when they come to Fenway. So let’s say “a” favorite is Grunge, but not exclusively.

Sports fanatic or yawn, sports-indifferent? It’s probably blasphemous to say this as a New Englander, but yawn. I love playing basketball, and my husband is a fisherman, so we are sports-oriented, not spectators. My brother disowns me during football season because I’m not glued to the television watching the Pats.

Your happy place? The beach, the sunshine, the sand, the surf, it brings so much joy! I live in Kingston, so I’m close, and my girls love swimming in the ocean. My mom lives in Cape Cod, and my dad lives in Florida, so my family is fortunate to have the best of both worlds.