I became a nurse because of my compassion for others and desire to make a difference for those that are suffering and in crisis. Nursing has changed significantly in the past 20 years since I graduated and I think it is vital that we do not forget whom we are, where we came from and where we are going. As healthcare advances, we also must progress in our knowledge and skills without losing our nurturing spirit. Working in the emergency room gave me a solid foundation of nursing skills. I have expanded and diversified those skills in home health, long term care, long term acute care, rehab and hospice working in administration as well as working in the home as a field nurse. I have supervised numerous employees with honesty and fairness, while maintaining a high level of discipline that assured quality care. Being a Certified Patient Educator has strengthened my teaching competency and increased my expertise as an instructor. Serving as President of the Organization of Patient Educators, has enabled me to increase the knowledge of staff, administration and physicians and improve the communication and commitment between various healthcare providers and their patients. With the ever-changing struggle between Healthcare "agendas" and actual patient needs, it is vital more than ever that healthcare professionals stay focused on meeting our PATIENT'S NEEDS and NOT on just the financial gain of providers.Specialties: Certified Patient EducatorCPR Instructor with AHA