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A hospital is a lot like a body.
There are many different parts that make up the whole, and each part plays an important role in keeping you healthy. While these different parts might be your heart, lungs, or blood vessels in a human body — in a hospital, these different parts are the people who work there.
At Chester County Hospital, there are physicians and social workers, administrative staff and interpreters — and of course, there are nurses.
Nurses are the heart of the hospital. They work tirelessly to provide care for patients and to support other hospital staff.
From administering medications and treating wounds to offering medical guidance and coordinating care, our nurses have a lot of responsibilities and still go above and beyond each day.
This National Nurses Week (May 6-12, 2022), meet five of the nurses at Chester County Hospital who make our community a brighter, healthier place.
Katie Costantini, MSN, RNC
(7 years at Chester County Hospital)
Registered Nurse/Manager of Quality & Patient Safety – 2 Lasko, Maternity
My mom is a nurse, and I grew up wanting to emulate her. I watched my mom care for family members and saw her dedication, and it instilled in me a desire to help people. When I first walked into Chester County Hospital, I could tell there was something different about this place. It truly is a community.
At Chester County Hospital, the nurses care for each patient as if they are their own family members. They always take the time to go above and beyond for their patients. Chester County Hospital nurses are dedicated and passionate. They’re innovative, resourceful, and collaborative. One of my favorite parts about working here is the level of collaboration between all of the interdisciplinary teams. The quality and safety of care that patients receive are a direct result of the level of collaboration between the team members. It's a privilege to be a nurse here at Chester County Hospital, serving with such an incredible team.
Jennifer Khun, RN, PCCN
(Over 25 years at Chester County Hospital)
Registered Nurse – 4 Lasko
I became a nurse because I had helped care for my grandfather through hospice care and was a Candy Striper in high school. I just loved watching the nurses interact with patients and care for them.
I love Chester County Hospital because of its family orientation. We are one big family, and I feel like part of a team. At Chester County Hospital, it doesn’t matter if you’re a patient or if you work here — you’re not just a number on a conveyor belt. I love my patients and being able to help them on their journey, whether that be to a full recovery or to a peaceful passing with respect and dignity.
Anel Medina, BSN, RN-BC, CMI-Spanish
(7 years at Chester County Hospital)
Registered Nurse and Spanish Medical Interpreter – Progressive Care Unit
Growing up in Southern Chester County and being the daughter of an immigrant farmer, I felt there was a need for more bilingual-bicultural healthcare providers. That's a big part of the reason why I became a nurse — to break the barrier that exists for minorities when seeking healthcare services. That's also why I interpret — not only did I want to be a nurse and care for patients at the bedside, but I wanted to be competent enough to facilitate communication between patients and providers. As our community becomes more diversified, I love to see that diversity grow within the hospital.
My favorite part of being a nurse is knowing that I am making a difference in someone's life during a very challenging time. I know that no matter what the day may bring, I can always count on the support of my work family to go above and beyond for our patients. Patients and their families know that we not only care for patients physically, but we also care for them emotionally and spiritually, and will ensure a safe discharge.
Olivia Vandenbraak, BSN, RN, MEDSURG-BC
(5 years at Chester County Hospital)
Registered Nurse – 5 Pavilion, Medical/Surgical Unit
I knew I wanted to be a nurse in middle school after my grandmother was diagnosed with lung cancer. I was instantly intrigued by her visiting nurse — by the way the nurse worked; by her kind, caring nature; and by the skills and science behind the wound care. It was then I decided I wanted to be a nurse. The part of my job that I enjoy the most is the people that I get to meet and the conversations I get to have. I have learned and taken away so much from patients in both my professional and personal life.
I love the family aspect of Chester County Hospital most of all. I am very lucky to work on a unit where the staff is so close and cares about each other. My co-workers always have my back. It could be the worst day, but I know I will get through it because of my co-workers. The caring/family feeling extends beyond my own unit and can be seen everywhere in the hospital. Everyone is willing to stop and lend a helping hand. It's a great feeling coming to work knowing that you will have support and people who care about you no matter what happens.
Cathy Weidman, MPA, BSN, RN, CNML
(Over 30 years at Chester County Hospital)
Director of Nursing, Medical/Surgical at Chester County Hospital – West Wing Ground/Clinical Decision Unit, West Wing 2, 3 Lasko, 3 Pavilion, 4 Pavilion, 5 Pavilion
I've never not wanted to be a nurse, from the time I was giving my dolls shots in kindergarten. Some people might call it a calling — and this is mine. I've had almost all of my career at Chester County Hospital, and it's the people that make you stay. As a director, my philosophy has always been, "If I can keep the nursing staff at the bedside comfortable in what they're doing, feeling safe, feeling that they're supported, and that they have pride in what they do, then that will translate into the safety, comfort and quality of care for the patient." And it's true.
As a nurse, I love having the knowledge to help my family, my community and my loved ones navigate the healthcare system — which can be a pretty confusing place to be. I feel like I've been able to give back, and I've been honored to be a support for people when they need it most.
Happy National Nurses Week to Our Chester County Hospital Community
At Chester County Hospital, we are so grateful to have nurses like Katie, Jennifer, Anel, Olivia and Cathy along with the hundreds of other passionate nurses who support our community’s health. While they may not have time to celebrate themselves during National Nurses Week, this week is a great time to thank the nurses in your life.
Thank you Chester County Hospital nurses for everything that you do!