Meet our RN, Dany!

National Nurse's Week was this month! We featured MKHC's awesome registered nurse, Dany, who supervises the clinical components of MKHC, including providing compassionate care, overseeing the medical assistants, optimizing patient flow, and assisting with specialty care referrals. She answered a few question about her background and inspiration to get into nursing.

How long have you been a nurse?

I graduated in 2008 and have worked as a nurse for about 9 to 10 years.

Why did you decide to become a nurse?

My mom encouraged me to become a nurse. I was thinking to do something in marketing, but because all of my family is in the healthcare field – my mom, my stepdad – I’ve been around nurses and doctors my entire life.

My first day in the hospital as a student was overwhelming, but one professor really inspired me with her passion and knowledge. Her words motivated me to work hard and fully commit. Every time I went to the hospital and saw nurses in the emergency room and taking care of patients, it inspired me to be one of them.

What’s your favorite thing about being a nurse?

My favorite part of being a nurse is seeing patients recover. It’s incredibly rewarding to care for someone who is seriously ill and then watch them get better because of the care and support we provide.

Did any patients make a special impression on you?

Yes, I’ll never forget a 15-year-old patient with Down Syndrome who had serious lung issues. He was in and out of the hospital often, but his parents and our team were incredibly dedicated. The nurses went every day to his house to check on him, and we set up his house so his parents could manage the equipment. It was a true team effort that made a big impact.

What’s one fun fact about you?

One fun fact about me is that I love bonding with my son over video games—whether we’re racing through colorful tracks in Mario Kart or battling it out in Mortal Kombat, it’s our favorite way to spend time together and share some laughs because I always lose.