Mary | Nurse Practitioner

What I do:

As a nurse practitioner in geriatrics, I provide primary care for seniors in independent-living, assisted-living, and long-term care settings.

How I make a difference:

I provide primary health care to seniors. I educate patients’ and families about chronic conditions and help them maintain quality of life with these conditions and I provide palliative care and end of life care ensuring my patients die in comfort and with dignity.

Why my job is great:

I have the privilege of working with the elderly everyday and help them maintain a healthy quality of life or support them on their journey toward the end of their lives.

The challenges of my job:

Balancing the increased medical needs of seniors and managing fiscal responsibilities, as all health care providers must do, while ensuring patients get the quality care they need in the appropriate setting for them.

How I impact my community:

I volunteer in several community organizations.

What makes this a greater place to work:

I have the opportunity to clinically affect the lives of elders in our community and mentor new employees who are eager to become clinical experts in the area of geriatrics.

What’s great about me:

I’m an expert nurse, having 34 years of experience in multiple settings and roles. I have exceptional communication skills, and I am a leader in our organization and in the numerous settings in which I practice.  I honor and respect all persons that I meet.  I have profound respect for and trust in all of my colleagues. I experience a tremendous passion for the invaluable work I do.

Little known fact about me:

I kayak in the lake by my house, this gives me a wonderful opportunity to relax, maintain balance in my life, and enjoy the voices of loons as I watch the passage of three seasons on the lake.

Words I live by:

“We must model what we want from others.” Joan Chittister

What I’d say to a potential candidate:

UnitedHealth Group’s ability to be a leader in health care is greater because they’re able to attract and retain employees of the highest expertise.