\What is your official title?

Director of Infection Control & Prevention.

How long have you worked here at Memorial Medical Center?

37 years.

How did you come into this position?

Back in 1992, I was asked to consider taking the newly developed position and department of Employee Health Services. While many industries have had occupational health departments as part of their operations, healthcare begin to embrace this need for employee health with the passing of the OSHA Bloodborne pathogen standards and to mitigate workers compensation costs. While in the position of Employee Heath, I was the backup RN to Infection Control. At one point, I held both positions Employee Health & Infection Preventionist, then, when it was decided to split the positions, I opted to take the Infection Preventionist role. I am board certified in both Occupational Health Nursing and Infection Control & Prevention.

What was your motivation for a career in healthcare?

As a teenager, I was in a back brace for scoliosis, and every summer I had to have a new brace made and would stay at the children’s hospital. There, I would ask the nurses all kinds of questions about their work and they would allow me to assist in the care with the little ones (under their supervision, of course). I was being groomed for nursing without even recognizing it.

What is a typical day like for you?

What I love about Infection Control & Prevention is there is nothing typical about my days. Surveillance activities, collecting, analyzing data, meeting reporting requirements, educating and training are just a few of things I do regularly. We are currently in a worldwide pandemic; it has been a challenging time and nothing is typical about my days currently.

How would you describe your role’s responsibilities?

As the Infection Preventionist, I interact and collaborate efforts within our facility as it relates to Infection Control. I function as a consultant, educator, researcher, role model and change agent to improve the safety and quality of care in the Acute Care setting.

In what areas do you help patients?

How I help patients is working with the MMC Team to provide patient care that meets the highest standards that are based on current evidence-based practices. Patient safety, no infections and reliable patient care is always my focus.

What are some of your interests outside of work?

Reading, spending time with family, walks and working on our antique cars.

What is your favorite part about working for Memorial Medical Center?

This hospital has been here for our community for over 50 years, I have seen the growth of the facility and participated in many ways to promote a healthy community. My favorite part of working at MMC is working with a terrific team of committed individuals that care for patients with compassion, respect and dignity. I have had a rewarding career and I am proud to be part of the team at MMC.