Baltimore Psychiatric Nurse Brings Empathy, Patience To Her Role
Manon Spinette is a staff psychiatric nurse on the Co-occurring Disorders Unit at Sheppard Pratt Health System in Ellicott City.
She began her career in finance with an undergraduate degree in business and an M.B.A. from Florida International University. A change in direction took her to CCBC for an associate's degree in nursing. She plans to obtain a BSN from the University of Maryland starting this fall.
What inspired you to leave finance and to enter nursing?
"After over a decade working in finance with money as the primary focus, I craved a profession where human interest rules. Specifically, as a psychiatric nurse, I work with individuals who are often overwhelmed by their mental health issues, especially if they are also dealing with substance abuse. This requires the greatest empathy and patience I know myself to have."
How does your educational background relate to your current role?
"The psychiatric rotation as part of nursing school happened to take place at Sheppard Pratt in Ellicott City, the same hospital where I currently work, and, besides awakening me to my affinity for mental health, it directly prepared me for my current role."
How has your education helped to further your career and contributed to your success?
"My prior degrees and previous work experience have turned into an added bonus in the nursing field by way of the customer service and management skills I learned. Customer service is at the forefront of the patient centered care we provide each day at Sheppard Pratt. Benefiting individuals in this manner is the ultimate success to me. Obtaining a B.S.N. in nursing will further assist me in translating these skills into daily nursing."
What is some advice you can offer others looking to go into nursing?
"Make sure your heart is in it. I believe nursing to be much more than an occupation; it's an urge to care for others, despite challenges. An urge which must be sustained over time to provide the best care."
Susan Brown originally spent many years in banking/finance before confronting her addictions. She has now been in recovery for 20 years.
Primary interests include metaphysics and energy healing in which she has several certifications. She has written for Examiner.com since 2009 and also writes for Om Times. Sue lives in Baltimore.
