In Their Own Words: Nurses at Contessa
Each day at Contessa, our nurses contribute to our unique models of comprehensive care in the home. Whether visiting patients in-person or via virtual care, providing leadership to our teams or functioning as admissions coordinators, our nurses have embraced our innovative, patient-centered approach and their team spirit and collaborative skills are routinely praised by both their patients and the healthcare systems they support. In honor of National Nurses Week, we asked them to share what makes their roles at Contessa different and why they love their careers. Enjoy their insights below!
“Nurses have the special ability to promote and facilitate the growth, healing and wellbeing of patients through the art of healing, advocacy, and the integration of mind, body, emotion, and spiritual harmony.”
–Shayne Bayer, BSN, RN
Recovery Care Coordinator
“I love interacting with my patients and learning more everyday about all the advances in nursing. I feel like I am helping make the world a better place.”
– Gretchen Herrock, BS, MA, RN
Recovery Care Coordinator
“I love being able to help people in the best way possible in the best environment possible.”
-Deidra Schlough, MS, RN
Director, Recovery Care at Home
“I love having specialized experience in palliative and hospice care because I feel it’s empowering for patients to be supported and encouraged to make decisions in keeping with the best quality of life for their own lives. Being able to talk with them about how they want to navigate their care based on their goals makes me love my job as a nurse.”
–Kirsten Van Auken, BSN, RN
Virtual Care Coordinator
“It is such a gift to be able to spend time in a patient’s personal space meeting them where they are and helping them achieve their health goals.”
–Dawn Black, MSN, FNP-C, ACHPN
Clinical Manager, Palliative Care at Home
“I have always wanted to do something where I made a difference. This is my calling for sure.”
-Rachel Fleming, BA, RN
Virtual Care Coordinator, Palliative Care
“I love being able to help people who are in need. A patient and their family can be scared, upset, unknowing. Being able to be present for them and advocate for them are very important to me. I enjoy helping patients learn about their disease processes and how to make healthier lifestyle choices.”
-Kirsten Weger, RN
Recovery Care Coordinator
“I could not imagine my life without being a nurse. To the point I have it tattooed on my arm: ‘My reason for being.’”
-Bonnie Platte, MSN, MBA, RN, CEN
Manager, Recovery Care at Home