Question & Answer WITH CHARLOTTE RANKIN

Q. When did you know you wanted to be a nurse and why?

A. I realized at a very young age that a profession in service to others was something that I wanted to pursue. The majority of my family was either in health care or were firefighters. Growing up in a small Italian community, with many of the community individuals being retired, gave me the opportunity to help others which brought me great joy.

Q. What is one memorable experience you’ve had in your nursing career?

A. I have had so many memorable moments as a nurse. As a nurse, memorable experiences happen often, both good and sad. During the pandemic, we all experienced more sadness than positive. There were and still are miracles that happen in health care every day.

Q. How has nursing changed throughout your career?

A. Nursing as a profession has changed greatly over the last 25 years. I would say one major change I have seen is around increasing greater safeguards for patients. The introduction of electronic medical records is another big change for health care, along with the added availability for virtual oversight and visits.

Q. What was the impetus for your transition into being a hospital administrator in addition to being a nurse?

A. If someone would have asked me 25 years ago if I aspired to be in hospital administration, I would have said “No way.” As I grew in my career and started expanding my leadership responsibilities, I saw that I could have a greater impact as an administrator to help ensure that patients receive the care they need and deserve, along with striving to make a positive impact for our co-workers and providers.

Q. What has it been like working with front-line nurses during the pandemic?

A. As a leader, I can honestly say that not much changed. The care of our patients has always been our priority. So, making sure that we maintained quality care and exceptional service always has remained a priority. Our staff at times felt stretched which required us to bring in temporary help to assist with the rising number of critical patients.

Q. What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned as a nurse during the pandemic?

A. Being in health care can be emotionally draining at times. During my 25-plus year career as a nurse, this pandemic has been the most challenging time I’ve seen both with staffing and supplies.

Q. What advice would tell a young man or woman who is considering a career in nursing?

A. You will have a rewarding career and the ability to do many different things.

I realized at a very young age that a profession in service to others was something that I wanted to pursue.