When I entered the world of Rehab Nursing 20 years ago, I was not excited. I had worked in the Whitaker Rehabilitation Center as a Nursing Assistant through our hospital float pool. I remember thinking "I don't want to work in rehab; the work is too hard, those patients are demanding and difficult." It is odd for me to think back and realize that I took a job in rehab by default...because I needed a first shift position!

Since those early years, I have developed a love and passion for rehabilitation nursing. As I met the patients and provided one-on-one care, I realized that they were individuals that were hurting and in need of the compassionate care that I had to offer. They needed education and resources that I was able to give. They needed empathy and respect as individuals. It didn't take long for me to feel the calling to make rehabilitation nursing my specialty area. I was successful in passing the CRRN exam in 1995.

I have held many positions in rehabilitation over the past twenty years from floating CNAI to staff nurse to primary nurse. I worked as an "interdisciplinary team leader" before becoming nurse manager for 12 years. I have been the Director of Nursing at Whitaker Rehabilitation Center in Winston Salem since 2008. Since obtaining my RN degree in 1990, I have returned to school twice. I received a BA in Management and Ethics in 1999 from John Wesley College and received a Masters in Health Administration from Pfeiffer University in August 2007.

I have served in a leadership role at my facility for over 15 years. I love rehab nursing because of the positive impact we have on patients, families, and our communities. I am an advocate for the specialty of rehab nursing. I have been a member-at-large on the GNCCARN board for the past 6 years and feel I have made positive contributions to the success of our chapter. I would like to see continued growth in our specialty and development of our nursing staff. I consider it a privilege and honor to serve as President of GNCCARN.