Director of Telemetry at St. Francis Medical Center, Sandra Brown, RN, says that she chose this career and has never looked back.
“A friend of mine encouraged me to pursue a career to increase my ability to take care of myself,” Brown says. “I went to school and became a CST (certified surgical technologist) then continued to pursue my career in the medical field up until now.”
That entire career has been as part of our St. Francis ministry, and Brown has worked here for around 30 years: five years as a CST, 15 years as a licensed practical nurse and 11 years (and counting) as a registered nurse. In her current job she manages a 54-bed unit.
Career Challenge and Influence
Self-doubt is the biggest career challenge Brown has been able to overcome. “I am my own worst critic,” she says. “Many times I have doubted my abilities to do the job that I have been called to do. But I believe that if He brings me to it, He’ll see me through it.”
Brown counts Cathy Patton, RN, BSN, a fellow nurse at St. Francis Medical Center, as someone who has influenced Brown most in her career.
“One day we were in a disaster and needed to open beds on several units for staff staying over. Cathy jumped in and never gave it a second thought. She was in management during this time,” Brown says. “I thought to myself, ‘I want to be like her when I grow up.’ She inspired me to become the nurse that I am today.”
Reflecting on Black History Month, Diversity and Equity
“[Black History Month] reminds me of the women and men that came before me, who made it possible for me to hold this position,” Brown says.
Workplace diversity, especially in healthcare settings, is so valuable. “Everyone can bring their passion for caring for others to the table,” Brown says.
Equity in healthcare is also important. Brown says one of the most pressing issues she sees in that regard is “the ability of people of color to receive education and receive the same care as other ethnicities.”
Cultivating Community
One of Brown’s favorite quotes when thinking of the contributions of Black Americans in our country’s history is Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?”
Brown puts that into practice through her work. “I take every opportunity no matter the environment to educate on the importance of self-care, follow-up with physicians‘ and outside resources to obtain medications needed,” she says.
Our DEI Commitment
Our ministry’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion supports culturally competent care education for our team members all year long, including during Black History Month each February.
