When Dallas, LPN, talks about her experience at Our Lady of the Angels Hospital, her eyes light up with gratitude and inspiration.
Dallas began working at the hospital’s medical–surgical unit after completing her nursing clinicals here. She has found not only a fulfilling career but also a second family.
“Every nurse I encountered during clinicals treated me like family and an equal, and that made me want to work with them here,” Dallas says.
new mother, new perspective
In the first year of her nursing career, Dallas experienced professional and personal whirlwinds.
“I’ve had a baby,” she says. “So, I’m more family oriented than I was before. Everything I do is for my daughter.”
Balancing motherhood with a demanding job can be challenging, but Dallas says her team and the support she receives at Our Lady of the Angels makes it manageable.
Dallas’ direct team experienced a baby boom of sorts, leading to a core memory and bond for the colleagues.
“The spring when my baby was born, four of us on our floor were pregnant at the same time,” she says. “We all had little girls, and they’re all friends. It just speaks to the family atmosphere here.”
driven by compassion
Dallas’ journey toward a career in nursing was inspired by an experience in high school when her grandparents passed away within two months of each other.
“That hospice nurse took me under her wing and showed me what it means to do comfort care for patients,” Dallas remembers. “I absolutely fell in love with helping people.”
Answering that call to care for and serve others has driven Dallas throughout her career and is reinforced by her supportive work environment.
“God told me that I needed to be somewhere I could help people — and I am.”
An important way Dallas helps is through listening to her patients and their families.
“If you’re not listening to your patient, you can’t really do your job for the day,” Dallas says. “You have to listen to them.”
inspired by patients and colleagues
Dallas finds immense motivation from her fellow team members and those they take care of. Whether she cares for someone briefly or over a longer time, Dallas’ patients are inspiring.
“They don’t give up. They just keep trying,” she says. “And they are just so committed to getting better.”
Her colleagues and leaders are equally supportive.
“They encourage each of us to be better and do better,” Dallas says. “If you have question, ask all the questions.”
a path forward
Looking ahead, Dallas aims to advance her nursing career by becoming a registered nurse and eventually working in hospice care. She feels confident that Our Lady of the Angels Hospital will support her every step of the way.
“Everyone’s encouraging each other, whether it’s going back to school or moving up in administration,” Dallas says. “When I told my administrator I was back in school, she was so excited that I was trying to pursue and better myself.”
encouraging others at career crossroads
When asked what she’d say to someone considering a job with our health system, Dallas is emphatic: “Do it. Do it 100 percent. You will never find anyone who cares about you more.”
