Philly All Stars Sandra

I started out as a housekeeper in a nursing home out of high school. That's when I knew this is what I want to do with my life: all the elderly people would ask me to help them, but I couldn't because I wasn't a nurse. I went to CNA school, then became an LPN, then an RN.

What do you love about what you do?

I've been a DON for the last 10 years, and I've been in long term care since 1993. I love it - I don't think I could ever leave it. I like making the residents feel cared for and loved. There's a patient here, my daughter and I picked her up, took her to my house to meet my mom, then we took her to the mall. We went to Macy's, she tried on hats, and then we went to get ice cream. I just want to make their lives better - it brings me joy to give them joy. I'm thankful for my first job that got me into long term care.

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

My aunt made me want to be a nurse. She was the director of nursing at Columbia University, and she was so delighted when I told her that I wanted to go into nursing. She unfortunately has passed away, but she was the first person I thought of when I won this award. I thought she would be proud of me.

I've been in long term care since 1993. I love it - I don't think I could ever leave it. I like making the residents feel cared for and loved.

How do you lead your team?

I like to create a good safe work space, This is not the easiest of careers - not the easiest setting. I'm here to lead, support, and mentor the team. I tell everyone that works here that we're on the same level. I’ll go in and make the bed or shower a resident. Imentor the young aides or nurses that come in here: they tell me, “I’m going through this or that,” and I listen, and I tell them, “I went through that too when I was young.” The team building means so much to me. I call myself a nurse's DON - I'll support them and stand behind them, knowing that they are the ones that make this place go round.

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

Just stay true to yourself. I tell new nurses, if you're in it for the money, you're in it for the wrong reason. You have to be compassionate, empathetic, and you have to put yourself in the shoes of the patient. The families are just as important - they need as much support as patients do.