At Children’s Minnesota, we believe children always come first. They are awesomely resilient. Eternally optimistic. Totally fearless. They are what we want to be when we grow up.
Celebrating American Heart Month
February is American Heart Month. Although taking care of one’s cardiovascular health is always important, Heart Month is a time to raise awareness about heart health and diseases and when everyone can collectively take time to focus on their heart health.
For Heart Month, we are featuring two employees from our cardiovascular (CV) program for our employee spotlights. We’re excited to feature Alex Khoury, an RN in our cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU), who just recently celebrated three years at Children’s Minnesota. She will be sharing all her favorite things about her career at Children’s Minnesota below.
What inspired you to accept your current role?
“I have always had a passion for working with cardiac patients. I started my career on an adult cardiac unit, but a part of me had always wanted to work with kids. My grandpa was a pediatric cardiologist. Hearing about his career and love for working with kids with congenital heart defects made it an easy decision to apply and accept a position in the CVICU at Children’s Minnesota.”
Why do you like working at Children’s Minnesota?
“The people! It is truly amazing to work with a care team that is really invested in giving patients and families the best care possible.”
As we celebrate American Heart Month, how do you feel your work at Children’s Minnesota contributes to this community?
“In the CVICU I work hard to be present for patients and families. I really strive to partner with patients and families and really listen to their specific needs so that I can work on how to best advocate for my patients. I think creating an environment where families and patients in the CVICU feel supported through their cardiac journey is how I best contribute to this community.”
If you could describe Children’s Minnesota in one word, what would it be?
“Remarkable.”
What is the most exciting thing about working in the CVICU department? What is the most challenging?
“The most challenging part of working in the CVICU can be the ups and downs of working with patients that are critically ill. That being said, the most challenging parts can lead to the most exciting. One of the most exciting things about working in the CVICU is the continual learning. I learn something new every single day! Additionally, the CVICU is an admission to discharge unit, so it is very exciting to see patients and families go through their journey in the CVICU from start to finish. There is nothing more inspiring than seeing the resiliency of a child working every day to get stronger and to be able to discharge from the hospital and go home!”
Join the team!
Are you looking for a challenging but rewarding career? Children’s Minnesota is seeking qualified candidates to join our CV team!