In honor of National Nurses Week, we will be running a blog series where you’ll get to know a few of our nurses who are at the heart of every aspect of patient care at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS). In our eighth installment, meet Abegail Pangan. Read our previous installments here.
1. Can you tell us your name, unit, and how many years you’ve worked at HSS?
My name is Abegail Pangan RN,MSN,CIC, and I am working in the Infection Control Department. I have been working as an Infection Control Practitioner at HSS for 2 years.
2. What does it mean for you to be a nurse?
Being a nurse means doing the best for your patient. It means being an advocate for patient safety and quality care. It involves building a relationship with the patient by showing empathy, compassion, and sensitivity. It involves taking a genuine interest in the patient to make them feel important and respected.
3. What drove you to pursue a career in nursing?
I chose nursing after experiencing the way that nurses can change lives and help to build people’s confidence and help rebuild their lives.
4. Why do you love being a nurse at HSS?
I love being a part of a Magnet recognized hospital. We are all working as a team in separate areas with the common goal of giving the gold star treatment to each patient every day. We have a strong supportive environment that provides constant encouragement with our colleagues.
5. Can you give us a fun fact about being a nurse?
Nurses are consistently named one of the most trusted professions, year after year. Taking care of people during times of vulnerability allows nurses to form a special bond with their patients.
