‘Whatever you want to do, do it now because you never know what the future holds.’

Nettie Michel, East Meadow

“I did not know I wanted to study nursing. I just followed in my mom’s footsteps. I went to Hunter College, and I was not accepted to the nursing program. So, then I went to Hostos [Community College]. I got an associate degree in nursing, and I graduated in 1996. I worked as a camp nurse, and then I took my National Council Licensure Examination. I passed it, so I became a registered nurse. When I finished the camp nursing, I worked for an agency in a nursing home and then at a long-term facility for [NYC] Health + Hospitals corporation, both for a short time.

You are only as good as your team, and I am fortunate to have a good team.

After, I worked for Elmhurst Hospital Center. I worked in the NICU, ICU and labor and delivery [L&D]. I think L&D suited me best, so I stayed there. After doing it for 17 years, I just wanted to have a little break. I went to [working on] postpartum, but it was not a right fit for me because I was bored. So, I went to back to L&D as a head nurse. That is where I currently am, and I have been there for about seven years. It is a good fit for me because I can manage the unit. You are only as good as your team, and I am fortunate to have a good team. I originally was going for my bachelor’s, so once my children were graduated, I completed my degree. I received my bachelor of science, magna cum laude, from Chamberlain University with a 3.9 average.

Currently, I am also working as a clinical instructor, which is very rewarding and makes me feel good because I have the opportunity to share my knowledge with students and they are inspired. When I see what a wonderful job I did in raising children, I feel that my calling is to teach and inspire. I also took a job as a supervisor in a nursing home. The nursing home has humbled me. You realize how important life is and to do all the things that you set out to do. You never know when you will not be able to do it. Whatever you want to do, do it now because you never know what the future holds.”

Interviewed by Victoria Bell