National Nurses Month Honors Our Remarkable Nurses
With over 4 million registered nurses in the US, nursing is the largest segment of the nation’s workforce. It is also one of the most rewarding, albeit challenging, professions. The impact nurses make on healthcare is unparalleled. Chelsea Jewish Lifecare employs 180+ nurses. They show us, firsthand, that they go above and beyond the call of duty—every single day.
As the American Nurses Association kicks off its annual month-long celebration in May, it seems appropriate to highlight a few members of our nursing staff. Take a look at why they went into nursing and their experiences at Chelsea Jewish.
We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the amazing nurses in our organization. You are the very essence of Chelsea Jewish Lifecare.
Ron Anglo
Chief Clinical Officer
“Having moved from the Philippines, I initially became a nurse for practical reasons. Nursing was, and still is, a stable profession. I soon realized that being a nurse is an opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life—at one of the most vulnerable stages of their lives. In the end, whatever we do for others, especially those who are not related to us, is what defines one’s existence.”
“The covid pandemic taught us so many things. It showed how vulnerable our residents are and how many of them are totally dependent on us as health care workers. The pandemic also showed the goodness of our staff and how selfless they were/are. They put their own lives on the line to help care for residents during such difficult times. For that, we will forever be grateful to them.”
Karen Petruccelli, MSN, RN
Vice President of Clinical Services
“After graduating high school, I was uncertain of my career path and decided to explore nursing. Best decision ever! My very first job was with the American Red Cross, working on disaster relief and emergency blood collections. From there, I moved to acute care focusing on maternal child health. I was able to work different shifts to accommodate my growing family. When I was offered a position at a SNF, I took it and never looked back!”
“I quickly learned that the nurse is always the conduit in healthcare. This was never more evident than during the height of the pandemic—in many ways a nurse’s proudest moment. I personally witnessed the heroic and selfless acts of so many of our nurses. Their work was not just traditional nursing such as transporting, cleaning, and cooking. Rather they fielded countless calls from family members, learned how to Zoom on the fly and were united as a team to do the very best for our residents. They were strong; they brave; they were truly remarkable.”
Ansu Kinteh, RN
Director of Resident Care
Cohen Florence Levine Estates
Florence and Chafetz Home for Specialized Care
“When I arrived in the United States, my first Job was working as a CNA in the nursing and rehab facility. Having haled from a country where nursing is widely seen as female oriented, my first job helped not only widen my horizon, but change my perspective towards nursing.”
“The trust that CJL bestowed in me from the very beginning made a tremendous impact on me. I was only a per diem floor nurse at Kaplan Estates when I was hired for my current position. The organization believed in my potential and continues to support me to this day. This degree of trust inspires me to work even harder on behalf of my esteemed residents and patients.”
“The teamwork, encouragement and camaraderie between staff members is so unique in our organization. Equally as important is the continuous support by upper management which I indeed rare in a healthcare organization. I consider myself fortunate to be part of Chelsea Jewish Lifecare.”
Amalia Almeida
Amalia RN Staff Development Coordinator
Leonard Florence Center for Living
“I wanted to become a nurse after having surgery in the hospital. I remember how scared and uncomfortable I felt, but I had the nicest nurses who took the time to calm me down, and care for me. I will always remember the kindness and patience of the nursing staff.”
“Being a nurse means that trust you with their health and medical decisions. I feel honored to get to know my residents and be a part of their team. For me, taking care of my residents as well as their families and forming relationships and trust is what being a nurse is all about.”
“I will always remember when we took one of our vented residents sailing in Cape Cod. We were able transfer him from the wheelchair on the dock to the sailboat by using a hoyer. Since his young son loved sailing, the resident was able to enjoy a day on the ocean focusing on his son instead of his complex medical issues. There is no other SNF that would be able to give this opportunity to a resident. He was able to focus on being a father and enjoy as normal a day as possible. The smiles on their faces as the sun was beaming down is etched in my memory forever.”
