Bronwyn C., BSN, RN, IPI’s Clinical Transition Manager.
At Independence Plus, Inc. (IPI), we expect the VERY best from our nurses, and that is exactly what we have found in Bronwyn C., BSN, RN. After starting as a Nurse Resident in IPI’s Home Nursing Residency program in late 2014, Bronwyn has continued to work as a field nurse with our medically complex, ventilator-dependent patients. Now we are proud to promote her to Clinical Transition Manager. In her new position, Bronwyn leads our transition team who specialize in coordination of care between the discharge facility and the patient’s home, as well as training nurses on every new case, stabilizing our patients at home, and establishing a reliable routine with individualized house rules. IPI’s Director of Nursing Services, Nancy Tafoya, referred to Bronwyn as an “excellent clinician who has jumped right into her new role.” Nancy went on to say, “She figures out what the patient needs and just gets it done. She’s a great nurse and we are so happy to have her.” We spoke with Bronwyn earlier this week about why she chose to work in Home Nursing and what she is most looking forward to in her new role.
Q: How long have you worked with IPI?
A: I started working as a Resident in November of 2014.
Q: Why did you become a nurse?
A: I always wanted to have a job where I felt like I was helping people, and nursing felt like the best fit for me.
Q: Why did you choose to work in Home Nursing?
A: While I was in nursing school, I found out that I loved one on one care. I always thought that eventually I would end up doing that, but maybe later in my career. When we moved to Illinois from out of state, it was so hard to find a hospital job like I thought I would, and I discovered Independence Plus’s Residency program. I was so excited about the chance to work with patients one on one right out of nursing school.
Q: Tell us a little about your experience joining IPI as part of our Home Nursing Residency Program.
A: The Residency program gave me the skills I needed to make me confident in providing care to our patient population. Building relationships with my patients was amazing and made me feel like I was doing what I was supposed to do. I would describe it as a rewarding and challenging year.
Q: What made you want to take this position as Clinical Transition Manager, and what part of the job are you most looking forward to?
A: It made me excited to think about being able to be there when our patients come home for the first time and to help them organize all of their equipment in a way that makes sense. I am most excited about bringing our patients home!
Q: What is something about you that would surprise people?
A: I grew up in Brazil, and I’m fluent in Portuguese.
Q: Who inspires you at work?
A: Our patients and their families. Seeing their dedication to learning their care and advocating for themselves.
Q: Who inspires you outside of work?
A: My parents and my in-laws. They are so different from each other, but they love people around them so well.
Q: What are you most proud of?
A: I’m most proud of my family. My husband is in graduate school, and works so hard. And my family and his family are all just amazing.
Q: What are you planning to do next?
A: I have no idea! I’m open to a lot of different areas and learning opportunities.
Q: What words do you live by?
A: Bloom where you’re planted. I moved a lot growing up, and this was kind of our motto. To me it means to work hard to make where you are your home and to do the best with what God gives you.
Q: What advice do you have for new nurse graduates?
A: Be open to new opportunities. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and be willing to learn.