‘Helping Patients along the Difficult Journey’: How Deanna Pingel found her passion in the ICU

For Broadlawns ICU Nurse, Deanna, taking care of patients means more than just checking their vitals; it also means being a friend to help them along a difficult journey. 

"I chose my field of work because nursing gives me the opportunity to make a change in people’s lives. I get to see patients and their family members at their most vulnerable moments, and to be that person who helps them along the difficult journey; that is the top reason I pursued a career in nursing."

Deanna reminds her patients that she isn't the only one playing a role in overcoming their difficult journey. "I like to always ask my patients when they are getting ready to walk for the first time in a while or even when they're getting discharged home, ‘Do you remember when you first came in? Because I do and you have made such progress and have fought tremendously for this moment,” says Deanna.

Deanna sees her role as a special calling. She says the job requires a combination of medical skills and the ability to be vulnerable with patients, just as they have done for you. "The most rewarding part of patient care is seeing the outcome. Whether the patient is in the ICU for 2 days or 2 months, it is always rewarding to see the good outcome,” she says.

Patient care isn't the only thing that makes Deanna’s job rewarding. "I chose Broadlawns Medical Center because you are not just a number here. This applies to when you are a patient, as well as a staff member. Broadlawns is one big happy family that I have been a part of for 10 years. What other hospital do you get to walk around and everyone says hi and knows each other?! So rewarding and a great feeling."

We’re very grateful to have such caring nurses on our team.

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