By Barbara Pierce
Registered Nurse Petrina DeMarco is employed by the Mohawk Valley Health System at Wynn Hospital. As May is Nurses Month, created to celebrate the essential role of nurses in our health care, we wanted to learn more about DeMarco and to honor the key part she plays in our health care.
Q: How did you become interested in a nursing career?
A.: I got into nursing because of my Aunt Marie. She was a nurse for almost 30 years and convinced me it was a good job, because it’s so very rewarding and you can climb up the ladder. She started as an LVN, became an RN, then a nurse practitioner. It’s cool to be able to do that in your job. I also can switch specialties; I like that about it. I love nursing! It’s been a calling for me. I couldn’t see myself doing anything else!
Q: What training did you have?
A.: “I got my bachelor of science in nursing from Utica University; it’s a four-year degree. I had a minor in psychology as I’ve always had an interest in psychology, so I added that to my education. What I learned applies anywhere; it gives me some helpful tools.
Q: Can you tell us more about your position at Wynn Hospital?
A.: I work on the seventh floor, which is the med-surg unit. medical-surgical unit is a specialized unit dealing with stroke and cardiac patients. I’ve been here for three years.
One thing I want to point out this is my first job and I’m blessed with great coworkers on my floor. I’ve had a great experience with everyone I work with. That says a lot of good things about MVHS. It’s an honor to go to work, to be with smiling faces and people who help you; the support of others means so much to me.
Q: What are the rewards of your nursing position?
A.: There are a lot of rewards. Most of them involve helping people in their time of need, making a difference in their hospital stay. I try to make every encounter with a patient positive. No one wants to be in a hospital. I have a purpose when I get up in the morning and go to work.
I treat every patient as I they’re a family member. I help them feel safe. Many have voiced that they appreciate me. Also, I love that I can constantly keep my skills up to date.
Q: What are the challenges?
A.: The toughest thing is that it’s mentally, emotionally and physically taxing. I don’t want to bring home my bad days. I’m figuring out how to navigate that. I’m still trying to achieve that.
Q: What do you do to balance a taxing job?
A.: Outside of work, I used to play basketball in college. My newfound passion is I’m into the gym. I run and weightlift. It’s good for me physically and good for my mental health. It helps me clear my head. It’s important to have healthy outlets.
Q: You’re at the start of your career as a nurse. What are your goals for the future?
A.: I’m evaluating my future. One goal is to get my nurse practitioner degree. I do love my bedside job. It’s chaotic, but I love being at the bedside of my patients. So I’m not ready to leave this position. MVHS offers to get you through your schooling and that’s a big benefit.
I’m potentially considering switching specialties, like ICU, the ER or crisis care. Maybe getting more experience in those areas, challenging myself. The time is coming where I’d like a new challenge.