Address:
Chandler, Arizona
Type Of Business:
Hospital Medical Center
Expertise:
Practicing Nursing in the Intensive Care Unit, Caring fo Acute Patients on a One-on-One Basis
Major Product/SVS:
All Regular Hospital Services
Favorite Business Publication:
Nursing2007
Hobbies/Sports:
Hiking, Skiing, Gardening, Home Improvement, Keeping Exotic Birds
Education Degrees:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, University of Iowa; Certification in Critical Care Nursing; Certified Paramedic and Firefighter
Affiliations Awards:
AACN (for 25 Years); Supernurse of the Year Award, Hialeah Hospital (1987)
Place of Birth:
Harvey, IL
Industry:
Professional of the Year Representing Intensive Care Unit Nursing
Date of Distinction:
7/20/2007
Work History:
ICU Staff Nurse, Chandler Regional Hospital Chandler, Arizona (1996-Present); ICU Head Nurse of Two 14-Bed ICUs and Three-Bed CVICU, Phoenix Memorial Hospital Phoenix, Arizona (1991-1996 ); ICU Nurse throughout Valley Hospitals, Nurse's Central Registry (1987-1991); ICU Assistant Head Nurse, Hialeah Hospital, Hialeah. Florida (1977-1987); Firefighter/Paramedic-Fire Rescue Division, City of Miami Fire Department, Miami, Florida (1980-1983); Staff Nurse and Relief Charge Nurse-Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery Floor, Jackson Memorial Hospital Miami, Florida (1976-1977)
What do you feel separates you from the rest of the professionals in your industry?:
What separates me from other professionals in my field is the high standards I maintain for myself, my profession and my efforts to continually educate myself and remain current in the field. I am also a patient, kind and knowledgeable preceptor and I have been in this role for 30 years. I find it to be very rewarding and satisfying.
What has been the most outstanding thing you have done thus far in your career?:
My biggest achievement was breaking the barriers and forging a path to allow women to enter the fire fighting profession. I was also honored to be selected for a few management positions in local ICUs, but discovered that my love is at the bedside.
Expanded Biography:
Ms. Fitzsimmons has 31 years of nursing, 30 years critical care and almost 11 years at current institution in the intensive care unit experience. She also was the first female firefighter in the City of Miami, Florida. I was inducted into Miami's Centennial '96 Women's Hall of Fame. Information about my being the first female firefighter is buried in a time capsule, to be opened in 2096, along with the names of other female pioneers from Miami, Florida. She received my firefighting badge on a plaque with the first badge ever retired out of service.
Highlight of career?:
The most gratifying aspect of her career is always learning about new diseases, cures, drugs and new equipment proficiency.
Number Of Years In Profession:
32
Number Of Years In Current Position:
12
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
She attribute her success to her ability to maintain her professionalism and competency.
How Did They Get Involved In Profession:
She became involved in her profession as a nurse because of her fascination with medicine and a sincere desire to help others.