Estonia Bryant, RN, BSN, lead nurse in the med/surg unit at Mercy Health — St. Joseph Warren Hospital in our Youngstown market, loves focusing on finding ways to improve her unit, not only for patient care but also for the well-being of her fellow nurses.
“Creating an environment that encourages healing and learning with my patients and teammates is what drives me every day,” Estonia says.
At Mercy Health – St. Joseph Warren Hospital, Estonia emphasizes the significance of attention to detail and a commitment to excellence.
“Being a nurse at Mercy Health is different,” she explains. “We hold ourselves as nurses to a higher standard and require attention to small details that can make a huge difference.”
For Estonia, fulfilling our Mission extends beyond physical healing.
“We focus on creating a bond with our patients that encourages spiritual and emotional healing,” she affirms.
She recalls a poignant moment when she saw a former patient out in the community.
“Seeing them healthy and able to enjoy life after everything they had been through, it was incredibly rewarding.”
She admits that compartmentalizing emotions is part of nursing.
“Having to isolate situations in your mind so that when you enter the next room, you are able to focus on that patient solely, no matter what you might have just dealt with in the last room, is essential,” Estonia says.
Beyond the hospital walls, Estonia enjoys playing video games and karaoke, which are vital outlets for self-care.
“These help me recharge and provide consistent care to my patients,” she notes.
Yet, she emphasizes that the cornerstone of her resilience lies in her team.
“Having a good team makes all the difference,” she says. “The nurses on my unit are there for me, not only to help with patient care but also with our own mental health as health care providers.”
Not only is National Nurses Month in May, but National Nurses Week is May 6 to May 12.
To all our nurses, we thank you for the excellent care you provide our patients every day! Read more of our nurses’ stories to celebrate.
Also, if you’re a nurse or a health care professional, we invite you to explore and pursue a career with us.
