Luminis Health is proud to recognize our nurses during National Nurses Week – a time to celebrate nurses and acknowledge their crucial role in healthcare – for their highly specialized knowledge, skillsets and compassion they bring to their jobs.
We recently asked Claudette Bailey-Fagan, Registered Nurse at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center, to talk about her nursing journey. She loves being a nurse, she enjoys helping other nurses, and she’s passionate about her patients.
When asked if she would do it again, her answer is an unequivocal ‘yes.’ “Yes, I would. I love it!” smiles Claudette, who celebrates 20 years in nursing in 2023. Claudette joined Luminis Health in 2019, and prior to emigrating to the United States in 2017, she worked in an ICU in Jamaica.
“Nursing is where I’m supposed to be,” Claudette says. “Nursing is more than being a caregiver. It’s ensuring your patients feel safe and letting them know you’re in their corner. You’re their advocate, and you give them peace of mind.”
We’re thrilled to share Claudette’s story. Here’s a glimpse into the passion and extraordinary service Claudette provides every day.
Why is National Nurses Week important?
It’s good for nurses universally to be recognized for what we do, and to highlight our profession. People are not aware of the various aspects of nursing. It’s an extremely rewarding career.
We play a big part in the health profession. Most people see the doctor on the health care team, but the nurse spends the most time with patients. We’re there for the patient’s every need.
What do you like most about being a nurse?
Seeing your patients come in and go home safely, and knowing I did my job to the best of my ability. Also, I like identifying things before they get to a critical point.
It’s also being appreciated by my patients. At the end of the day, it’s great to hear your patient say, “thank you.” They’re confident in your care, and they look forward to seeing you the next day.
What was the moment you knew you found the right calling as a nurse?
When I found myself wanting to know more, and I wanted to become the best nurse I could be. I found my passion.
And I love telemetry. I enjoy identifying the steps to take and determining what is going to make the patient remain safe.
What does it mean to you to be a nurse?
Being a nurse, and being a part of a health team, contributes to changing a person or aspect of a person’s live for the better. In nursing, we wear different hats – advocate and protector. And we ensure everything the patient needs is done.
I don’t see myself doing anything else. I love being part of a society that keeps people going and helps them get better.
What do you bring to your patients?
I give my patients 100 percent at all times. I ensure they feel safe, comfortable and confident.
My strongest skill is education. I like to share my knowledge with my colleagues and help guide them so they can be confident in what they do.
What’s next for you?
Specialization. I love telemetry, so I’d like to go for my certification. Also, to be a progressive care nurse, and maybe go into education to share my knowledge.
