Denise grew up wanting to be a part of the medical field. She went to Mercy School of Nursing and joined UPMC in 1987.
Denise began in the intensive care unit – a difficult job, but one she felt comfortable with. But over the years, when other departments needed help, Denise always raised her hand to offer support. Today, she works in UPMC Mercy’s cardiac catheterization and electrophysiology labs and is an expert nurse in both types of care.
The hospital staff who work around Denise motivate her every day. They’re caring and supportive, she says.
“That kind of thing can definitely make or break your job,” she says.
As a veteran nurse, Denise helps provide orientation to new staff members. She’s there to listen to and support everyone. Although the job can be stressful, Denise often responds with humor to make the situation easier for patients and staff.
“It’s important sometimes to lighten the mood,” she says.
“I feel their personality and how they are, and I just kind of make them feel comfortable in a way that I feel that they want it.”
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