SITE NAME
Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt
Role
Transplant APRN and VAD Coordinator
WHAT MADE YOU JOIN ACTION?
When I accepted the role of VAD coordinator in addition to my transplant APRN duties, I knew I would need help and support to build the programmatic infrastructure. ACTION had the infrastructure and resources I would need to write our institutional guidelines and align our practices with those of successful institutions.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ACTION MEMORY?
Presenting the VAD Nutrition: Energy intake, Fluids and Micronutrients guideline that I helped create and write from scratch.
WHY IS ACTION IMPORTANT TO YOU?
ACTION serves as the standard bearer in Pediatric VAD and a source of shared expertise, this is important when attempting implement best practices and change current care practices to improve outcomes.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BOOK, AND WHY?
The Nightingale by Kristen Hannah
A historical novel set in France during WW2 – It speaks to the heart of why doing the right thing is important even when it is hard and even though the cost may be very high it is always worth the effort. I have never cried so much while reading a book and loved a character so deeply.
WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?
Don’t wish away your future, live in the moment even when it is hard, you will look back fondly on times when you worked hard to accomplish something. Never say I can’t wait until… enjoy today.
WHAT’S ONE THING OTHER ACTION MEMBERS WOULDN’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I worked my way through my associates and bachelor’s degrees as a hair stylist. I actually still have a few clients whose hair I do regularly.
