How did you first learn about Signallamp?

While looking for jobs on Indeed I learned about Signallamp Health and when I went to their website, lo and behold, I saw a picture of a nurse I had worked with at a local hospital. It just so happened she was the CNO for Signallamp. So, I interviewed and the rest, as they say, is history.

What do you like the most about your job?

There are SO many things I like about my job. However, the one thing I value most is the flexibility it allows me, especially in being able to care for my child. Knowing when the job starts and ends each day is such a relief, and all the holidays are a special treat, but being able to flex my hours on any given workday is such a big blessing.

What is the best career lesson you have learned so far?

The best career lesson I’ve learned so far is to never be afraid to question yourself or others. Any nurse who thinks they have all the answers – does not! We all learn from each other and should never hesitate to double, even triple-check, one another. If you experience a feeling within, hinting at you that something doesn’t seem right or needs to be checked on, then follow your gut. It’s the little angel on your shoulder guiding you to make the best decision for your patient. Trust it!

Compared with day one, how has Signallamp grown?

Compared with my day one, Signallamp has improved and grown tremendously! Our company is growing quickly. The tools that have been provided for us to do our jobs more effectively and efficiently are amazing. Additionally, the resources and benefits offered personally for each employee has just kept improving year after year. I’m looking forward to seeing what is next!

If you could select one co-worker to mentor you, who would you pick and why?

Hands down, Jen Nicastro! I admire her dedication and her management style. Jen is fiercely loyal to the company as well as to her nurses. Jen is always keenly aware of what is the best way to serve the nurses and to promote the company. Even when we worked together previously, Jen was always excelling at everything she did and that hasn’t changed at all.

What do you like to do when you are not working?

My favorite thing to do when I’m not working is getting to spend time with my family. We enjoy doing all kinds of things together as a family – whether it be just hanging out together at home or going places like the beach or the Animal Adventure Park. We recently visited Boston as a family and loved it. As a family we like to eat out and debate over who has the best local wings. My husband is currently losing, since my son and I are teamed up against agreeing that Kelly’s serves the best wings in the area.

What is a fun fact about you many people may not know?

Most people do not know that I am singer. I have sung in choirs, as well as at weddings and funerals, for many years. Singing in a choir is one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever enjoyed. All the various sections come together to create one beautiful sound – it’s amazing! Even though I’ve never performed on the Masked Singer I did get to perform at the American Idol Experience at Disney World!

Tell us about the craziest experience you have had with a patient:

Okay, now you have to remember: Most nurses have a sick sense of humor. We have to! It’s a sort of coping mechanism for us. My first day as a new nurse in the hospital (28 years ago), we were doing PM rounds, getting patients ready for bed, and another nurse asked me to take off a patient’s shoes. I removed one shoe and sock, but when I went to remove the other shoe, it wouldn’t budge. I was really struggling, pushing and pulling. After watching me sweat, both the patient and the nurse were laughing hysterically. They set me up! The patient had a prosthetic leg with a built-in shoe… it was never coming off! Looking back, I know the nurse wasn’t trying to put me through harmless irritations, they were trying to give the patient a good laugh. That night we all ended up laughing, and it’s true – sometimes laughter is the best medicine!