National Nurses Week is May 6 to 12. The Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute (PPI), a Penn State Health Enterprise owned by Penn State Health, recognizes this week as a time dedicated to honoring nurses and their contributions to health care.
In this blog post, we shine a spotlight on Christina Brandenburg, one of our exceptional nurses. Christina’s dedication, expertise and compassionate approach epitomize the core values of PPI. Christina plays a pivotal role in providing essential support to patients and their families. We had the opportunity to ask Christina about her career journey, the gratifications of nursing and the critical importance of teamwork among health care professionals. Let’s explore the answers Christina provided:
Why Nursing?
Christina’s path to nursing was deeply rooted. From childhood, she always had thoughts of becoming a nurse. Her grandmother, a former RN, left an indelible impression. Those moments spent accompanying her grandmother to the nursing job filled Christina with pride and a sense of purpose.
Why PPI?
Christina’s decision to work at PPI was influenced by her clinical experience there. Witnessing the impact nurses had on clients during her rotations solidified her choice. It felt like a good fit – both personally and professionally.
The Rewards of Nursing
For Christina, the true reward lies in the everyday interactions. Conversations with clients provide a different perspective or offer comfort to them. Trust is the cornerstone of nursing in the Opiate Treatment Program (OTP), where the team collaborates to make a daily difference.
Teamwork Matters
Teamwork isn’t just encouraged at PPI; it’s necessary. The relationships between counseling, physicians, nursing and the front desk are vital. Each member relies on the other, offering support and encouragement. Together, they care for every individual in their service.
“I always wanted to be a nurse, ever since I was a kid. I used to go with my grandmother, who was a nurse, to her job. I felt so happy and proud watching her take care of people.”
At PPI, we value nurses like Christina who bring dedication, expertise and empathy to their work. If you’re passionate about making a difference in patients’ lives and thrive in a collaborative environment, we invite you to explore rewarding opportunities in psychiatric nursing with us. Visit ppimhs.org/careers to learn more about the opportunities at the PPI. Together, let’s build a healthier future.