Hats off to nurses everywhere

The nation officially celebrates nurses this week. At WellMed, we celebrate the compassionate work of nurses year-round.

This week, WellMed honors the caring and compassionate nurses who serve in a variety of roles to ensure patients get the care they need and deserve. Today, we turn the spotlight on some dedicated nurses who go above and beyond every day. Here are three.

Deserai Salazar, RN

Tenure with WellMed: 9 years

Title: Field Case Manager

Location: Corpus Christi, Texas, with Supportive Care

Her role: I provide care and education in the home and assist with patient needs.

Why did you choose to become a nurse? I became a nurse because I knew in my heart I needed to provide the care that was provided to my father when he was ill and passing. The care that was provided was exceptional and I knew I wanted to make an impact on others’ lives as they did my father.

What do you enjoy most about your job or about nursing? I enjoy going to my patients’ homes and caring for them in their personal space. I get to listen to their stories while also providing care. We take care of very sick patients that often go to hospice care, so they enjoy a nice conversation with someone who listens.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about yourself? I have enjoyed the last 12 years of being a nurse. It has made me appreciate life much more. I can’t wait to see what the future holds.

 

Stephanie Massey, RN

Tenure with WellMed: I started working with UnitedHealthcare June 2014 and WellMed September 2020.

Title: Integration Nurse Leader

Location: I work with the Clinical Integration Team and travel to the clinics that we acquire. I don’t have an office that I am assigned to; however, I do go into each of the offices in the different markets when I am there.

Her role: When WellMed acquires new clinics, a team of Integration Managers, Integration Practice Consultants and Integration Nurse Leaders goes into the clinics and provides education and hands-on training to the new clinicians and staff so they will be successful.

Why did you choose to become a nurse? I became a nurse to save lives and help people when they need it most. To be a soft and comforting touch when needed, but to also be the strong and dynamic leader of a trauma when needed, as well.

What do you enjoy most about your job or about nursing? I love teaching. I love seeing the light bulb go off

when someone gets a new concept. I love setting staff up for future success.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about yourself? Currently, my favorite job title is ‘Gigi’ to Bradlie and Blair. These 2 girls have my whole heart.

 

Olga Tanguay, LPN

Tenure with WellMed: I have been with the company for four years, I was a case manager at Optum, and for the last two years I have been a part of our supportive care program.

Title: Palliative Care Nurse

Location: I am a field nurse, which means I spend my days out in the community.

Her role: I handle a variety of patient care activities for our supportive care program. I work alongside our provider to visit patients where they live. We see homebound patients who are hospitalized often or living with chronic conditions that put them at a higher risk. Our role is to be extra eyes and ears for the primary care provider and assist with whatever the patient needs during the visit.

Why did you choose to become a nurse? Nursing is in my blood. My mother is a nurse, so I grew up watching her care for others with compassion. Although I did not know right away that I wanted to follow in her footsteps, I always knew I felt called to help people in need. In a way, I feel like I didn’t choose nursing – nursing chose me. I truly could not imagine doing anything else.

What do you enjoy most about your job or about nursing? It’s incredibly rewarding to know I can offer care, compassion and support for those who need it the most. Helping people through their toughest moments and making sure they feel cared for is what I was born to do and is what gives me the greatest satisfaction.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about yourself? I am also a wife and mother of three boys. I have been in the medical field for over 25 years; 22 of those years as a nurse, and I have loved every minute of it. It’s been an incredible journey, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.