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VELMA, RN / STAFF NURSE

A rich history. A bright future.
I’ve been a staff nurse here for 37 years. I worked in OB for 10 years, then floated throughout OB, Medicine, Surgery, ENT and ICU. Afterwards, every floor became my home. It was challenging, but I learned a lot and it made me the nurse I am today.

I chose psychiatry nursing because I liked the environment, although I had misconceptions about it. The care was different, but I enjoyed it. I interact with my patients on all levels: social, teaching, spiritual, and relationship development. It’s therapeutic, with more interaction and intervention. I also have the personal satisfaction of providing emotional support to my patients…If I had started in psychiatric nursing without my background, I wouldn’t have been as comfortable or confident. 

Finding my niche.
I’m a people person. When I was floating, I never had the same patients. In the psychiatric unit, I have gained so much insight and knowledge, and I have a better foundational understanding of patient care…once you learn how to approach psychiatric patients and develop a relationship, you see little opening wedges when they start responding. It’s very satisfying to see patients progress and develop a relationship with me.

The tempo in psychiatric care is different, but the goal is still the same. You want patients to recover and you want to do your best for them. If you like what you do, things that are difficult become easy.


Find a doctor or make an appointment: 866.867.3627
General Information: 314.747.3000
One Barnes-Jewish Plaza
St. Louis, MO 63110
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