Nursing leaders discuss roles and impact at UPMC Kane
KANE — In a recent interview during Nurses Week two figures in nursing leadership at UPMC Kane Hospital, Interim Clinical Director Mary Parana and new Unit Director Audrey Van Hove, shared about their roles, experiences, and perspectives on the hospital's ongoing transformation.
Van Hove is a Kane native and UPMC’S newest recruit, and has just recently returned to Kane.
Kane Republican (KR): How long have you been back and what is your experience in nursing?
Audrey Van Hove (AVH): This is my first week with the UPMC Kane team. Prior to joining Kane, I worked at UPMC Hamot in Erie. During my time at Hamot, I worked in the Trauma Neuro Intensive Care Unit for four years as a bedside nurse and the Post Anesthesia Care Unit as the department clinician. I also served as chair to the hospital wide nursing Professional Practice Council. This council primarily promoted the safety of nursing staff within the
hospital through various endeavors while also heavily volunteering our time in the Erie community within various organizations.
KR: What responsibilities will you have in your new role at UPMC Kane?
AVH: Under Mary's leadership, I will stand beside Nicole Steinhauer as Unit Director. My primary areas of focus will be cardiopulmonary services, surgical services, respiratory therapy, pharmacy, and anesthesia. I will be responsible for maintaining the current success of these areas while also working with staff to maximize the efficiency of our services provided.
KR: Why should UPMC Kane staff and the community be excited about the hospital's ongoing transformation?
AVH: Since starting my nursing career in 2018, healthcare has truly evolved in so many ways that benefit you, the patient. Through this evolution of care delivery, safety for the patient remains a priority. The changes to the health care delivery model here in Kane are the first of its kind and truly are extremely efficient and effective but most importantly, safe. We as a community should be proud to be pioneers of such amazing medical technology and the way we
are making a name for ourselves in the region as delivering the care that we do.
KR: As someone who has roots in the community, what are some of the things you like about working for a rural hospital?
AVH: My first day at UPMC Kane, the decision to relocate my entire family was justified when I saw so many familiar faces. This reminded me truly what "home" feels like and what it means to be a part of a community. Having never worked for a rural hospital, what I am most looking forward to is making decisions, alongside my
peers that will directly benefit and impact my family, friends, neighbors, and community. Coming back to the community that has given so much to me is a dream come true and I truly look forward to dedicating my time to maintaining the accomplishments of this hospital.
KR: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
AVH: Outside of work, my entire free time is dedicated to my family. I have a wonderful husband of two years, Connor, a very energetic and loving two year old son, Stephen, and a beautiful three month old daughter, Vera. I look forward to being back in Kane with my family and enjoying the beautiful Allegheny National Forest while integrating ourselves back into the community.
KR: In terms of your professional accomplishments, what are you most proud of?
AVH: Professionally, I am most proud to say that I am a nurse. As nurses, we care for others during some of the hardest times of their lives. We share happiness, heartbreak, joy, relief, uncertainty— just to name a few— and continue to come back day after day, never knowing what emotion we will feel with our patients next. I feel accomplished most when at the end of the day, I can say that I gave 100%. Whether at the bedside or behind the scenes, giving my all to this profession is what this community deserves, and it is what I will continue to strive for day in and day out. I look forward to working with such experienced nurses throughout this hospital and learning from the best.
KR: What made you become a nurse and what would you tell someone pursuing a career in nursing?
AVH: I became a nurse after watching my cousin succeed in her role as a cardiac ICU nurse in Erie. Watching her care for the sickest people in the hospital with such grace and patience really stuck with me and truly amazed me. I was amazed by the difference she made. Not only was she quite literally maintaining the life of another human being, she also cared for the patient's family as well as her peers as charge nurse of the unit. Those who are currently pursuing a nursing career, plan to, or dream to—i would say absolutely go for it. The reward at the bedside far outweighs the struggles and sleepless nights of nursing school. There is a life out there somewhere that you will impact as a nurse. You are exactly what they will need in that moment and I promise you, it will all be worth it.
Mary Parana, Interim Clinical Director, oversees around 120 people at UPMC Kane.
KR: Mary, how long have you been at the hospital here in Kane? Can you share a bit about how you got here?
Mary Parana (MP): Since 1978. Started as a Maternity RN, Nursing Supervisor, Case Manager, Director of Outpatient Services, and now Interim Clinical Director. I did leave for several years in the mid-1990s to teach nursing at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford and obtain a master's degree with concentration as a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner.
KR: What are your responsibilities in your current role?
MP: In Hospital and Nursing Administration, fairness, honesty and trustworthiness are paramount. I cultivate a culture of wellness within our organization, emphasizing values, behaviors and attitudes that promote self-care, compassion, and professional growth. I focus on staff needs as well as excellence in patient care.
KR: Why should UPMC Kane staff and the community be optimistic about the hospital's ongoing transformation?
MP: The PA Rural Health Model (PARHM) has empowered UPMC Kane to improve the quality of healthcare and health outcomes for the communities we serve by investing in high-quality primary and specialty care and health care delivery changes that address specific patient needs. This Model has allowed UPMC Kane to remain a sustainable healthcare facility meeting the health care needs of our patients.
KR: What do you enjoy most about working in a rural hospital setting?
MP: It is very rewarding to work in a small community hospital. Everyone from administration, outpatient departments, office practices, ancillary departments, and nursing work side by side to care for patients and families. Co-workers begin to feel like a family. Everything we do supports families and patients when they are at their most vulnerable.
KR: Outside of work, what are your hobbies and interests?
MP: I enjoy spending time outdoors, fishing, gardening, and traveling with my daughter. We also love watching detective shows on TV.
KR: Lastly, what inspired you to become a nurse, and what advice would you give to those pursuing a career in nursing?
MP: When I graduated from high school, I didn't know what I wanted to be when I grew up. I decided to go to nursing school because my mother always wanted to be a nurse but financial constraints and everyday responsibilities did not allow her to do that. The best advice I could give someone pursuing a nursing career is that nursing is self-rewarding and is an excellent way to make a difference in the lives of others and serve the community.