Behind the Flame: Suvarna

Suvarna loves working with the faith-based mission and values of Adventist HealthCare. Nursing is not only to deliver care to patients, but also to provide compassion, empathy, and reassurance. Nursing has to be from the heart, so this is where she wants to be.

Suvarna was a critical care nurse in her home country. When she came to the USA she went through the "refreshment course" process. Adventist HealthCare had a beautiful program for International Nurses, which used to be called the Welcome Back Center. This provided training on healthcare in the USA to prepare nurses to take the NCLEX exam and start work at Adventist HealthCare. This program helped her transition to the U.S. and begin a long career in a place with a mission she believes in. She loves the commitment Adventist HealthCare has to the whole person—physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing for staff as well as patients. Her spouse used to work in the critical care unit in the ICU, and he helped get her connected to this program.

Suvarna loves the faith-based aspect. Her mother's wish was always to work with a Christian institute. Suvarna understood this when she had the opportunity to apply for the International Program with Adventist HealthCare. The mission and values stood out to her when she applied because they make her proud to say that her spiritual growth she has experienced working at Adventist HealthCare is apparent. She loves the value on the whole person and the opportunity to practice her faith while at work, showing compassion and empathy daily.

Suvarna started as a Monitor Tech for 5 years with Adventist HealthCare; Then RN, then Charge Nurse, then Assistant Nurse Manager, and now Nurse Manager. She has been on the same unit (3N) for 18 years. The increased responsibilities teach you to take on more and she feels valued here because the faith leaders have in her as a capable employee. They are supportive and interested in employee growth. Leadership listens carefully and assists in clinical, professional, and spiritual growth. She learns through complex challenges, and it helps her contribute to quality care of her patients and staff.

When she rounds on her patients and prays with them. She had a patient who was here for 2 weeks. She rounded on him every day. He would say his room was "lightened" when she came by. He wrote a card to tell the unit that she “lightened his room” and "she is an angel". This card was read in a leadership meeting, which was a touching moment for her.

Collaborative, interested in growth, continuous learning and follow-ups for accountability, mission-driven, and supportive, prioritizing open communication with employees. Faith-aligned and very professional. The team supports each other, and leadership listens attentively. The CNO is available to them always.

Her team was recognized for professional development as the unit with the highest number of nurses with the PCCN. They were recognized with a banner in the hospital. Also, on her birthday, she came to work and the CNO had prepped a surprise party for her in the huddle room at 6am when she arrived to work. Both day and night shift nurses were there. It was amazing and moving.

Respect — she believes respect is give and take. Even if you don't get it back, it should always be given. Her ethics are very strong, and this is something that is very important to her. As a manager, she makes sure to show her employees how to embrace the RISES values.

When her staff is satisfied and the patients are cared for, and when she sees the HCAP scores are going up. She feels proud when this happens. The greatest part of this job is that it comes from the heart. She loves being able to keep God first in whatever she does and the ability to talk about this with her staff. Being able to pray with patients is her favorite part of the job.

She wants them to know that the culture is about so much more than the market pay scale. The strong mission guides the organization, and this makes a difference for the well-being of the staff — they take care of patients, but also they take care of the employees. They want staff to be happy and whole.

Never look back. Keep moving forward. Pray first, then do.

Suvarna loves gardening, reading, and cooking. She even cooks for her staff.