Sue Bailey, RN, CAPA, The Reading Hospital SurgiCenter at Spring Ridge, began her career at Reading Hospital on May 27, 1975.
What departments have you worked in during your tenure at the hospital?
I started in a Medical-Surgical unit that cared primarily for rheumatology and oncology patients. After that, I transitioned to the IV team after two years. After my son was born, I returned as a float nurse, and then I transferred to the Emergency Department (ED) in 1986 and was there until 2008.
One day, in 2008, I was with my dad at an appointment at The Reading Hospital SurgiCenter at Spring Ridge for a procedure and saw a nurse I knew and she encouraged me to take an open position at the SurgiCenter. I struggled with the decision because I love emergency medicine and the team in the ED at Reading Hospital. I was fortunate that when I moved to Spring Ridge I was there three days a week so I was able to continue to work shifts in the emergency department and continued there part-time until December 2019.
Why did you want to be a nurse?
I wanted to be a nurse for as long as I could remember, even in elementary school. I had an aunt that was a nurse and I put her on a pedestal. It’s what I’ve always wanted to do and I’m lucky that I got to pursue my dream.
Why do you love working at Tower Health?
I enjoy my job and enjoy working with my coworkers. Suddenly, the years rolled by and now I’ve been there for almost 47 years!
What keeps you at Tower Health?
Reading Hospital always accommodated my schedule and I was able to have flexibility when needed.
I developed a lot of important personal relationships and have become very close friends with many of the nurses I’ve worked with during my career. Some were bridesmaids in my wedding, we go on an annual girls' trip to the beach, and get together for monthly dinners. Even through career changes and retirements we’ve maintained our friendship.
What are some of your memorable career accomplishments?
When I worked in the Emergency Department a colleague started the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program and I became certified to administer forensic rape kits to victims of sexual assault, as well as provide medical and psychological care for these individuals.
I also did some teaching for other ED nurses to provide advanced training to establish venous access, draw arterial blood gases, and mentor staff in critical situations. I’ve helped at countless community health fairs and flu shot clinics. When my son began elementary school, I started substituting for school nurses in the Wyomissing School District and I still do it today!
What motivates you to continue to care for patients in the community?
In 1991 I was at the West Reading Pool with my son and just as we were leaving lifeguards were rescuing a 12-year-old girl from the deep end of the pool. When I got there to assist she was unresponsive, not breathing, and she had turned purple. I immediately began CPR and after about 30 seconds she had a pulse, and she was taken to Reading Hospital for additional treatment.
I’ve lived in this community for a long time and it is an honor to care for my family, friends, and neighbors. I also really enjoy interacting and taking care of patients and children in the community.
Do you have a memorable patient story?
My most memorable patient is the first sexual assault patient I cared for after I completed my SANE training. After her exam, she gave me a hug and thanked me for being there for her. It meant so much to me that I could be there for her in her time of need and I was so grateful that I chose to complete the training.
What is the best thing about being a nurse?
There is nothing better than the fulfillment you get when you take care of a patient and see them when they recover.
What is the most challenging thing about being a nurse?
I think the most challenging, but exciting, part of being a nurse is that things can change quickly in the medical field as new technologies and treatments emerge. As healthcare professionals, we are committed to lifelong learning to provide the highest quality of care.
What are you most proud of in your nursing career?
I’m proud that I’ve been part of the Reading Hospital team for so long and I still love my job!