Starting a new job can be exciting and, simultaneously, daunting. Julie Monroe, BSN, RN, knows this all too well. She had worked at HRH just a few months when COVID-19 invaded our lives. Julie worked on the medical unit the first six months of the pandemic.
In August, when the pandemic was in full swing, she transitioned to HRH’s Infection Prevention team. Julie enjoys her new role and the challenges it has brought. “It has been very fulfilling and has exceeded my expectations,” she said. “There are days when it feels like I’m being slammed with a fire hose of information or things I need to do, especially with COVID, but I’ve never had this much fun in a job before.”
“The pandemic forced most of us to live our lives or perform our jobs differently,” said HRH President & CEO Kevin Speer. “Julie is a great example of how we can succeed in overcoming these challenges if we stay positive, don’t give up and aren’t afraid to ask questions.”
Julie credits outgoing Infection Prevention Specialist Sandy Benson with being a fantastic mentor and resource. In addition, she has high praise for Michele Young, HRH Nurse Residency coordinator. Julie joined HRH as one of the members of the program’s first cohort. “I was impressed from the very start with how this program was organized and felt it did a fantastic job of setting new nurses up well to succeed,” she said. “The program sets HRH apart from other local hospitals.” Julie is not alone in that feeling. In its inaugural year, Vizient/AACN named our program “Top Performer.” Most recently, ANCC awarded it accreditation with distinction.
Julie had nursing experience prior to joining HRH. After graduating from nursing school, she worked at a hospital in downtown Indianapolis. She made the decision to move after her son was admitted to HRH for a tonsillectomy. She was so impressed with the hospital and staff that she became determined to join our team and, in her words, practically begged her way into her first position here. “I feel I’m meant to be here,” she said. “HRH is constantly pushing for improvement and innovation and never forgets how privileged we are to serve our patients and community. Most of all, I love the spirit here. At its core, HRH is a family.”
