Life Changing Is ... Care that Goes Beyond Medicine

Josh S., RN — Emergency Department Nurse

“This is who I am. This is what I really enjoy doing."

Josh used to work as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) firefighter with Emergency Medical Services (EMS). But every time EMS brought a patient to the emergency department, the nurses there impressed him.

"Anything we brought to the door, they were always ready," he says. "They were always really professional, taking care of everyone. It was a life-changing moment for me."

Now an emergency department nurse at UPMC Western Maryland, Josh tries to bring that same level of care to his patients. He and the other workers in the ED provide critical care to people in need.

Josh approaches his job with empathy, bringing compassion to both his patients and their loved ones. He tries to build a connection with them and uses humor when it's appropriate.

"Any day, it could be you and me sitting in that bed, laying in that bed, having that problem."

The emergency department works together as a team to provide lifesaving care. Doctors, nurses, medical technicians, and more come together to help people in need.

Josh is thankful for what everyone taught him when he became a nurse. Now a veteran nurse, he tries to pass on that mentorship to those just beginning their career.

“Every person who works here helps me through my day because no one can run this department on their own," Josh says. "It's a family. We all depend on each other every day."

UPMC Western Maryland is backed by the strength and clinical expertise of UPMC. Josh says he often runs into former patients while out in the community or even while on vacation.

The passion to help people brings Josh to work every day. He believes he didn't choose his career: It chose him.

"This is who I am," he says. "This is what I really enjoy doing."

At UPMC, Life Changing Medicine means a passion for helping people.

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