Life Changing Is … the Small Things

Wesley F., RN – ICU Nurse

“It almost makes you feel like a superhero. You’ve made a difference in their life.”

Two years into his work at UPMC Williamsport’s intensive care unit (ICU), Wesley knows he has found the job suited for him.

The son of a doctor, Wesley considered becoming a doctor himself. After working as a med tech in a long-term care home for 10 years, passing out medication and taking vitals, he pursued nursing as a career.

“I wanted to do something that gave my life meaning and purpose,” Wesley says. “Some of my strong attributes would be kindness, caring, being empathetic, and nursing allows me to use those and be a positive influence in my patients.”

As an ICU nurse, Wesley treats some of the most critically ill and injured patients. The chance to help these patients get better and leave the hospital means a lot to him.

“It almost makes you feel like a superhero,” he says.” You’ve made a difference in their life. You’re part of that journey, and it makes you feel good. It makes me feel like I’m doing something right in my life, like I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing.”

Joining the ICU during the COVID-19 pandemic has made for some difficult times in care. But he keeps coming to work every day to make a difference and because of the support of his co-workers.

“I'm happy where I am because of who I work with, and I'm going to stay there,” Wesley says. “One of the last things my grandfather ever said to me before he died was to surround yourself with people who lift you up higher. And that's what my coworkers do.”

At UPMC, Life Changing Medicine means finding your purpose.

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