Meet Chris Pierce, RN, a Patina Nurse Champion with nearly 40 years of hands-on nursing experience. Passionate about bringing care directly to older adults in the comfort of their own homes, Chris assesses her patients’ unique needs and delivers personalized care and support, empowering them to live life fully as they age.
Chris’s nursing journey is rooted in her deep dedication to compassionate care. Since earning a Nursing Diploma from the Frankford Hospital School of Nursing and an Associate’s Degree from Penn State University, she has cared for patients of all ages. From young children to older adults, in both home and hospital settings, Chris has seen it all – and it’s these experiences that she brings to the Patina team.
At Patina, she’s found a place to reconnect with her original calling: providing patient-centered care without the distractions of a large health system, giving her patients the focus and support they truly deserve.
We asked Chris a few questions about her role as a Nurse Champion. Read on to learn about how she spends her spare time, what she enjoys about supporting Patina patients, and more.
Q: Tell us a bit about yourself. What do you like to do in your spare time? Why did you become a nurse?
I’m happiest when I’m outdoors – maybe that’s why I love the traveling part of my role as a Patina Nurse Champion! Walking or biking, especially by the beach, is my go-to. The Jersey Shore is my “happy place,” and I love spending time there with my granddaughter and family.
Nursing is in my blood. My mom was a nurse, so I grew up seeing the impact of helping others firsthand. Following in her footsteps felt natural. I wanted to make a difference, especially for people going through tough times with their health.
Q: What were you doing before you joined Patina?
Before joining Patina, I worked with patients of all ages in a variety of settings – hospitals, surgery centers, and home care. Each experience has shaped my approach to patient care and prepared me for my role at Patina.
Q: What drew you to Patina?
As someone who has spent 40 years in the medical community, Patina’s unique care model really caught my attention. I was excited about the chance to work with adults 65 and older in a way that’s truly age-friendly and focused on enhancing quality of life. The more I learned about Patina’s patient-centered approach, the more I knew I wanted to be part of it.
Q: What are some of the things you can do as a nurse at Patina the the average primary care office, clici / hospital, or other care setting wouldn't enable?
At Patina, I get to spend more quality time with my patients – far more than the regular 5-10 minutes of a regular clinic visit. That extra time lets us build a real relationship, which helps patients feel more comfortable sharing their concerns so we can address more of what’s really on their minds. Plus, with the Patina app, they can easily reach out whenever they need something, giving them peace of mind that someone is always there for them. It’s a unique level of support and connection that truly shows we’re invested in their well-being.
Q: What is the value of seeing patients at home / in their home environment?
Seeing patients in their home environment gives me valuable insight into their everyday lives. I can check for safety concerns and make sure their basic needs are being met. Plus, I get a feel for the kind of support they have from family or others around them. Being at home also seems to make patients more comfortable and open. They’re more likely to share what’s really going on, which helps me provide the best possible care.
Q: How do you work with your patients at Patina?
As a mobile nurse, I bring primary care directly to patients in the comfort of their own homes, which makes their care feel more personal and relaxed. I work hand-in-hand with each patient’s Patina primary care practitioner (PCP) and Health Champion, making sure we’re all on the same page to provide well-rounded, comprehensive care and navigation support that addresses their total health and well-being – medical, emotional and social care needs. This is something that’s really different from typical primary care practices many of us have experienced.
Q: How do you work with patients’ family members who want to stay in the loop and be involved with their loved ones' care?
Having worked with patients of all ages, I know that their family members and loved ones just want to be involved. If our patient has approved their involvement with our care team, I always make sure they are available during home visits – whether it’s in person, over the phone, or via video conference – and update them on the care plan if they are unable to be there at the time of the visit. It’s little things like this that make a big difference in building trust and a good relationship with patients and their families! And, it’s also super convenient to be able to join remotely or check in using our patient app. No need to take extra time from work or other commitments to drive loved ones to appointments.
Q: What life lessons have you learned from your patients?
Throughout my nursing career, I’ve encountered patients who have shared valuable life lessons that go way beyond their medical needs. So many of them have faced big health challenges, yet they still wake up every day with an incredible spirit and determination to live fully. I’m always inspired by how they find joy in the simplest things – a shared laugh, a favorite meal, a visit from family. It reminds me that happiness really comes down to appreciating the little things and having a positive outlook.
Q: What is most rewarding about working at Patina?
Throughout my nursing career, I’ve had the privilege of caring for patients of all ages in settings ranging from pediatric wards to geriatric units. At Patina, I love being able to visit patients in their own homes and get to know them as the unique individuals they are — with all their quirks, stories, and charm! It’s incredibly rewarding to see how Patina’s commitment to exceptional care aligns with each patient’s own goals for how they want to live in their later years. Being part of that journey is truly fulfilling.
Q: Anything else you’d like to share?
I’m consistently impressed by the fact that every patient I have visited has commented on how great Patina has been for them. It’s a true testament to this company and the care team that has created care and coordination experiences that are different – but markedly better – than traditional healthcare. We hear this during visits, and also in our own satisfaction surveys. Amazingly, we see tons of 5-star reviews left for us online on Google and Healthgrades. Time and again, patients express their gratitude for their care team and also how much they love the care we provide for them. I’m so proud to be a part of Patina!