Spotlight On: JoAnn Lindsey
JoAnn Lindsey, from Emory University Hospital's Care Initiation Unit, took a few minutes out of a busy Monday afternoon to share her story. Here are the insights into this team member’s happenings.
Spotlight: How long have you been with Emory Healthcare?
JoAnn: About four years. I first started in pulmonary thoracics and then moved to the Care Initiation Unit.
S: Why did you choose a health care career path?
J: I actually chose to go into nursing because of both my parents. First, as a single mother, my mom went back to school for nursing. However, she didn’t have anyone to study with her. So I would, which helped spark my interest. Additionally, she would have me perform community service at the nursing home where she worked. Volunteering there and helping others who often did not have anyone to look after them was an eye-opening experience. I saw just how much of a difference you can make in other people’s lives.
Secondly, my dad played a large role in my career path. When he passed away, I felt that if he had had a stronger advocate during his care, the outcome may have been different. I wanted to become an advocate for patients, and that is how I see myself today.
S: What does patient- and family-centered care mean to you?
J: For me, a patient- and family-centered care environment sets the stage for enhanced patient care and outcomes. When a patient’s family is involved in his or her care — working with the patient and me as a team — it facilitates my role as an advocate. Since a person’s family knows him or her better than I ever could, we can use that knowledge to partner and get that patient back to everyday living sooner.
S: How do you strive to advance your level of care?
J: First and foremost, I always get to know my patients and treat them like my own family. If I know them on a personal level, they become more comfortable with me, thus enabling them to become more active participants in their care. With my patients’ active help, our opportunities for success advance greatly.
JoAnn's behind-the-scenes snapshot!
Birthplace: I was born and raised in New Orleans and moved to Atlanta in 1991.
Favorite quote: Life's good.
Favorite television show: "House"
Favorite memory: Birth of my daughter, who is now 14!
One thing your co-workers don't know about you that would surprise them: When I was in high school, I spoke Spanish fluently and competed in a national Spanish-speaking competition.
Hobby: Baking, especially cakes.
One current event in your life: I am in school for both my bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing ... with the assistance of Emory Healthcare's tuition reimbursement.
