Mary D., RN, BSN, IPI Clinical Manager
After completing Independence Plus, Inc.’s Home Nursing Residency, Mary D. RN, BSN, quickly became known as a skilled field nurse with a positive attitude and a commitment to providing the best care possible for her patients. When an opening was available on IPI’s Home Nursing Clinical Management Team, she was the perfect fit. “Mary was highly valued by the patients she worked with and their families, her peers, and fellow nurse residents,” said Director of Clinical Services David Miller, DNP, MSN, RN, CNL, CRRN. “She had already shown dedication to her patients by going above and beyond to provide excellent bedside care and that is the foundation for effective care coordination from the clinical manager position.” In her new role, Mary continues to care for her patients – many of whom she worked with in the field – from the office. We sat down with her to learn more about why she chose to work in home healthcare, what her new position entails, and what advice she has for new nurse graduates.
Q: Tell us a little about your background and what brought you to IPI.
I graduated from Millikin University (in Decatur, Illinois) with my BSN. I originally planned on studying biology until I was introduced to Nursing by a few friends on my volleyball team. I ended up switching majors and it was the best decision I ever made. I enjoyed Medical Surgical, Mental Health, and Community Health Nursing, which lead me to my role and IPI. I started off in the Nurse Residency program and had a great experience. I enjoyed my patients, the families, and learned a lot along the way.
Q: What made you want to be work in home healthcare?
Home health was never my first choice but it was also definitely not my last. I enjoyed the community health clinical but I always imagined myself in a hospital setting. When I first found IPI I was eager to try something completely new. It is rewarding to develop an ongoing trusting relationship with your patients. Home nursing allows you to develop a long-term therapeutic relationship which ultimately provides the best patient care.
Q: What does your job entail and what do you enjoy most about your role?
Every nurse is an advocate for their patients. Being a Clinical Manager, you get to advocate for your patient in all aspects. Although I am not always present in the home, I get to manage the patients and the nurses on the case to do what is best for our patients and their families.
Q: Who inspires you?
My parents are my biggest inspiration. They always pushed me and motivated me to get to where I am today. They always provided for us and gave their best effort even during the toughest of times.
Q: What are you most proud of?
Being a student athlete and completing nursing school has been my biggest accomplishment. It was by far the hardest yet best thing I’ve ever done.
Q: What words do you live by?
“If you were born with the weakness to fall, you were born with the strength to rise.” ~ Rupi Kaur
Q: What is the one thing about yourself that you think people would be surprised to know?
My favorite thing to do is to travel and explore new places. I also really enjoy long distance running, I run almost every day after work!
Q: What advice do you have for new nurse graduates?
We are always growing as nurses. Be ready to learn and take on new challenges that might not have been covered in nursing school. It is important to be calm and confident in any situation that gets thrown at you.
JOIN OUR TEAM!
IPI is now hiring RN’s and LPN’s to work with adult and pediatric patients who have complex medical and respiratory needs. If you are interested, contact Sam Bruno, IPI Talent Acquisition Manager, at (630) 463-4433 or sbruno@independenceplus.com.