Expertise:
Ms. Truesdell's expertise is in nursing home room supervision and staff management.
Hobbies/Sports:
Reading, Weight Lifting, Body Building, Watching Videos at Home, Flower Gardening, Swimming, Caring for her Pet Birds, Outdoor Bird-Watching, Riding Tractors with her Husband
Education Degrees:
Coursework, Vassar Brothers Medical Center, School of Nursing (1970); Coursework, Dutchess Community College
Affiliations Awards:
Third and Fifth-Place Trophies, Natural Body Building Contest, New York City, NY (2008); Finalist, EAS Body for Life Challenge (2002, 2003); Employee of Distinction Award
Work History:
Assistant Director of Nursing, Stamford Community Hospital (1970-1986); Staff Nurse, Night Supervisor, Infection Control Nurse, Cardiac Care Nurse, Stamford Community Hospital
What do you feel separates you from the rest of the professionals in your industry?:
Some management philosophies that I consider most important are to never ask anyone to do something that you wouldn't do yourself, always be fair and consistent, when correcting staff, remember to also help them feel important and valuable by acknowledging their good work, always do counseling in the privacy of an office, never try to solve a problem before getting both sides of the story, and let staff know that you're there for them for any reason at any time.
What has been the most outstanding thing you have done thus far in your career?:
The fact I have remained in the nursing profession for 38 years despite the many stresses that invariably occur. Caring for others is a privilege beyond compare and so far has been the reason for my perseverance. Many colleagues have not been able to deal with high intensity burnout that results from ever-changing regulations, reimbursement issues, low staffing and other undesirable working conditions.
Expanded Biography:
My biography, without including my husband Bob, could not be written because his experiences have contributed much to my life. Everyone enjoys a good love story, especially a modern day Romeo and Juliet with a Cinderella twist. My tale begins in 1966 when I first met Bob at a school dance. After a three year engagement, we planned to marry in 1970 after I completed nursing school. In 1969 our hopes and dreams came to a crashing halt. Bob was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease, which at that time was a fatal cancer. Little did I know that deciding to carry on with our wedding plans would be the wisest decision of my life. Surgery and five weeks of cobalt treatments were completed before our wedding date of September 19, 1970, however they were only palliative measures. The prognosis was grim; he had possibly two years, but no guarantee. One day at a time became our philosophy and the love we shared helped keep us hopeful instead of fearful. In 1974 a recurrence of the disease made us painfully aware that the clock was indeed ticking. An exploratory laparotomy indicated progression to stage 3 and the verdict was an invitation to participate in a clinical trial that involved multiple IV and PO drugs. Two courses of grueling chemotherapy only brought hope for more time. All during this time I learned the true meaning of courage and determination. It amazed me how little Bob complained nor did he ever feel sorry for himself. Of course, the chemotherapy helped save his life. I also know that Bob saved himself and obviously had an extraordinary will to live. The words of Deepak Chopra certainly fit in here: "It's not so much what kind of disease a person has, but what kind of a person that has the disease." Nothing in my life has been more monumental than Bob's survival. Destiny not only brought us together but kept us together for 38 years. A man's greatness is not measure by money, fame or power, but by what is in his heart. Bob is truly a great man.
The next chapter is about me. To make a long story short, I was certainly blessed to be handed down a wonderful legacy of love and guidance from my parents and grandmother and to this day my mom at 87 years old continues to always be there whenever we need her. It was one of her childhood friends that inspired me to be come a nurse like she was. Becoming a candy striper at 15 years old 'sealed the deal' and in 1968 I entered Vassar Brother's Hospital School of Nursing and graduated in 1970. My first job was at Stamford Community Hospital, where I worked as a staff nurse night supervisor, infection control nurse, cardiac care nurse and assistant director of nurses. In 1986 I started a new job at Countryside Care Center, where I presently am still employed. In 1995 Bob and I renewed our wedding vows at Walt Disney World where we took a magical journey in Cinderella's coach, reaffirmed our vows in the Wedding Pavilion and later on Mickey and Minnie joined us for a memorable reception at the Grand Florida Resort. And yes, Bob presented me with the famous glass slipper while down on his knees. Five months later Bob saved my life. Though he was rarely ill, he caught the flu and was so ill he had to see the doctor. I decided to have a good physical exam that same day, after all I was 46 years old. Much to my surprise, an irregularity was detected in my left breast that I myself couldn't feel at all. It was so insignificant I couldn't have found it until much later, if at all. A mammogram was ordered and said the spot looked suspicious. A biopsy was final. I had breast cancer. My verdict was chemotherapy along with radiation and the mention of the word 'chemo' made me want to run away until I thought about Bob's experience and in doing so I was able to successfully face my own challenge. 12 and a half years have passed and as a survivor I must encourage all women to have yearly physicals and any other family history-related tests. Early detection and treatment can save your life. It's what you don't know that can hurt you.
Recently Bob has finished 12 chemotherapy treatments for colon cancer and once again, will be taking one day at a time on the road to recovery. As for me, I'll be pumping iron at the gym, entering some body building contests and trying to stay strong and healthy in order to face whatever the future may hold. All of these experiences have made me aware of how precious and precarious life can be and how quickly the balance can be upset. Although we often forget to, all of us need to stop and smell the roses and count our blessings because they're there, we just get caught up in our busy lives and tend to forget.
Some of my favorite words of wisdom are: It's not so important to be the best, just be the best that you can be. Nothing is impossible. Dare to challenge yourself and dream dreams. If you believe in yourself, you can make it happen. Also be willing and prepared to accept failure, should it come, and be satisfied that you gave it your best shot. Say what you mean and mean what you say because once it's said, you can't take it back. Don't be afraid to set goals. Goals are the building blocks of our hopes and dreams. Achieving them will empower and reward you.
Charity:
Relay for Life, American Cancer Society
Number Of Years In Profession:
38
Extended Bio Profile:
Ms. Truesdell worked at Stamford Community Hospital for 16 years, where she held several positions including assistant director of nursing, cardiac care and infection control nurse and night supervisor. An accomplished body builder and 13-year breast cancer survivor, Ms. Truesdell was one of 2,000 finalists out of 526,000 competitors in the 2002 EAS Body for Life Challenge.
Day to Day Responsibilities:
Supervising Up To 160 Residents, Updating Care Plans, Handling All Problems or Emergencies That May Arise During the Night