Philly All Stars Florence

I came to this country from Sierra Leone when I was 21. I met one of my mom's friends, who told me to work in healthcare. I started as a home health aide in New York, then I moved to New Jersey and got started as a CNA at a facility. I worked for 8 years there before going to LPN school, and then became an RN.

What do you find rewarding about what you do?

I've always been in long term care, I've never done anything else. I want to care for older people - it's satisfying: the older people get, the more they get back to their younger selves. They've been through a lot - their whole lives - then they come to a nursing home, and I want to make that life accommodating and worthwhile. That’s what I strive for. There’s a resident who comes by my office every morning to tell me how her night was. She wants to talk to me about everything in her life, and I sit there and listen because sometimes that’s all they want, someone to listen.

What keeps you going?  

I love what I do. I want to keep doing what I do - be an advocate for residents and older adults - all the way to retirement. I want to be that person they can trust to care for them. My mom was sick and she passed away. After she passed away, I left the job I was working because I didn’t have time to spend with her in her olden days - I was always saying, “Oh Mom, I’m at work.” After that day, I vowed if I couldn’t give it to her, I know I can give it to someone else. That’s my goal.

I love what I do. I want to keep doing what I do - be an advocate for residents and older adults - all the way to retirement. I want to be that person they can trust to care for them.

Do you have mentors and people who’ve guided you?

The DON that was here at St. Monica’s before me, I had worked with her when I just finished CNA school. As a new CNA, you sometimes feel like you aren't part of the team, but my first DON was always so inspiring: she would notice something good about you, even when you didn’t see it, and commend you. Because of her, I pushed myself to go farther. I got LPN training, and I met her once right after I became an LPN - she was so excited.

What advice do you have for young nurses just starting out in their career?

Don't feel intimidated. The workload is not easy, and sometimes you'll work long hours. Don't beat yourself up over everything - take it one day at a time. It’s not an easy road, but it’s very satisfying when you’ve done a day’s work that made someone happy. You get to go home and feel good about yourself. Don’t sweat the small stuff.