Meet Nina Hernandez, RN – a Patina Nurse Champion who works closely with her patients’ Patina primary care practitioner (PCP) and Health Champion to make sure they get the care they need. As a self-described “jack of all trades,” Nina meets virtually or over the phone with her patients, where she does everything from having important discussions with patients about preventive care and wellness to helping families through confusing or critical healthcare events.
A graduate of SUNY Purchase College and Frankford Hospital School of Nursing, Nina approaches patient care the way she would want someone to care for her family and loved ones, and strives to ensure her patients know she is always in their corner. Before becoming a nurse, Nina received an undergraduate degree in literature, which is perhaps one reason why she loves taking time to listen to the stories her patients share with her.
We asked Nina a few questions about her role as a Nurse Champion, what she enjoys most about supporting 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 became a nurse because I believe in helping people. I wanted a job that I could look into the mirror and be proud of. My mother was also a nurse. As a kid, I used to be able to go to work with her and hang out at the nurse’s station (this was a long time ago, before HIPAA!), so it was something I grew up around.
In my free time, I love to go on long runs, travel and spend time at home in Philadelphia with my husband and our dog.
Q: What were you doing before you joined Patina?
Before joining Patina as a Nurse Champion, I worked as a senior manager of clinical quality at Accolade, a personalized healthcare company. Prior to that, I was a cardiac nurse at a local hospital.
Q: What drew you to Patina?
I was fortunate to have grown up in the same home as my maternal grandparents and right next door to my paternal grandparents, who were very involved in my life. Because of this, I feel strongly that people deserve great care no matter what age they are. So often you see folks of a certain age get overlooked or minimized simply because of how old they are and perceived abilities. Seniors deserve so much better than that! It was exciting to join a company like Patina where I could provide the kind care I’d want for my own family.
Q: What are some things you can do as a nurse at Patina that the average primary care office, clinic / hospital, or other care setting wouldn’t enable?
At Patina, I am able – and even encouraged – to take the time to talk to my patients and really get to know them! And I mean actually talk to them, not just take a history or review a medication list. Taking this time to understand what is meaningful to my patients allows me to tailor the care I give and help them work on what matters most to them.
Q: How do you work with your patients at Patina?
I work with my patients primarily over the phone, but am available for video visits, too! I try to work with my patients on their schedule and on the things that matter to them, whether it’s adopting new health habits, getting better control over a chronic condition, or following up with them after a new diagnosis or health event. One of my first questions when I reach out to a patient is, “I have x, y, and z to talk to you about today, but what’s on your mind?” I believe that the key to delivering great care is all about letting the patient be heard.
Q: How do you work with patients’ family members who want to stay in the loop and be involved with their loved ones' care?
I work with family members and loved ones over the phone and through the Patina app to make sure their questions are being answered and their concerns are being heard. There are plenty of times where I will talk to patients and loved ones together as part of a three-way call or on speaker phone. The goal is to make sure I’m putting everyone’s mind at ease that everyone’s needs are being met.
Q: What life lessons have you learned from your patients?
So many! But the big one is to slow down and appreciate the small stuff. Also to stay curious! I have a patient who is well into her 90’s and she loves learning about different cultures and talking to people. She’s taught me that you’re never too old to stop learning and growing, and to always be curious about the world around you.
Q: What is most rewarding about working at Patina?
I love having the opportunity to build real relationships with my patients, and getting to know them and their families.
There are times when I know I’m the only person that patient has talked to all day – or sometimes all week or longer. You can hear how eager they are to find human connection and to just be seen and heard. Being able to make someone feel like they matter and are not alone is probably the most rewarding part of my job (and also the most heartbreaking).