Celebrating Nurses Week: We love our WellMed nurses

The nation officially celebrates nurses this week. At WellMed, nurses go above beyond all year long

This week, along with honoring all of our amazing nurses, we turn the spotlight on some dedicated nurses who go above and beyond every day. Here are three.

Anna Marie Del Toro-Torres, LVN

Tenure with WellMed: 15 years

Title: Healthcare Coordinator

Location: WellMed at NW Loop 410, San Antonio

Her role: I coordinate post-hospital care and schedule appointments upon discharge. I educate patients on how to correctly take medications.

Why did you choose to become a nurse? Family is the most important thing to me. Growing up, my family’s demographics led to a lack of health care. This in turn led me to pursue a career in nursing. My personal caregiver experiences allow me to build empathetic relationships with my patients, and I provide care to my patients as though they were my family.

What do you enjoy most about your job or about nursing? I get to work with a great, cohesive team. Also, building a bond with patients because it improves their health outcomes. This personal touch shapes a better foundation to build upon. The better informed they are, the more compliant they are with medications and treatments.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about yourself? I am a very dedicated mother of two beautiful children. I love spending time with my family.

 

Alicia King, RN

Tenure with WellMed: 7 years

Title: Clinical Team Manager, Homecare Dimensions

Location: Irving, Texas

Her role: I supervise RNs, LVNs and home health aides. I ensure we have the orders needed to provide patient care. I also see patients and complete assessments, wound care and teaching based on doctors’ orders.

Why did you choose to become a nurse? I wanted to be able to help others and provide a bridge to those in need of care. I also wanted to be able to assist with patient education and advocacy in my community.

What do you enjoy most about your job or about nursing? The opportunity to assist the patients in getting better and gaining their independence.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about yourself? I love being a nurse and I love that my job allows me to care for patients daily.

 

Elizabeth Castellanos, LPN

Tenure with WellMed: 9 years

Title: LVN Healthcare Coordinator

Location: WellMed at Seguin

Her role: Helping patients with transition from the hospital or emergency room. I provide discharge planning support as a communication link between hospital, family and providers to reduce re-admission rate; support with needs or questions, medication reconciliation, care coordination with home health, DME; arrange follow-up care with PCP; follow up with patients after discharge to monitor their progress or address issues.

Why did you choose to become a nurse? To help others when they need it the most.

What do you enjoy most about your job or about nursing? Nursing has taught me so much about empathy, compassion and kindness. I learn and grow by helping a diverse range of people.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about yourself? I enjoy being a part of a team. I work with the best people here in Seguin. They motivate each other, and I am very grateful and proud to work with them.