Kaitlyn Horak, a registered nurse at Bon Secours Memorial Regional Medical Center, is driven by a deep passion for engaging with patients and their families to provide compassionate care.
Her journey into health care began early, but it was during her junior year at Randolph-Macon College that she discovered her true calling in nursing.
“This decision was solidified by a personal experience when my mother was hospitalized in the ICU,” she explains. “Witnessing the importance of compassionate care and advocacy for patients and their families inspired me to pursue nursing with the goal of providing the highest quality patient-centered care.”
Kaitlyn’s commitment to nursing was further solidified during a J-term internship in college, where she became acquainted with our ministry as well as our core values. This experience convinced her that she wanted to be a part of this community, and for the past four years, as one of our team members, she has continued to work her way up.
Kaitlyn recently graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing, using our ministry’s education benefits program.
At Bon Secours, we are proud to give all our team members access to education programs that are designed to empower career growth.
We offer up to 100 percent tuition-free education for priority clinical programs to help them pursue their health care callings and career.
“While working as a patient transporter, I applied to the program,” Kaitlyn recalls. “My professors played a pivotal role in molding me into the nurse I am today. Without their invaluable guidance and encouragement, this journey would not have been possible. I will always cherish my time at the college with deep gratitude. Moreover, this experience not only enriched my nursing skills but also thoroughly prepared me for the challenges I would encounter.”
From her first day at Memorial Regional Medical Center, Kaitlyn received support and mentorship from her leaders.
“H.L. Lawrence has supported me and assisted me in reaching my highest potential,” she shares. “His guidance ensured I had diverse experiences, but when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted my internship, he didn’t allow me to veer from my goals. He helped me secure a job in patient transport where I eventually accepted a position as the team lead, a gesture I will forever appreciate.”
Kaitlyn continues, “After receiving adequate education, I transitioned to a patient care tech role in the emergency department. Throughout nursing school and my time in the emergency department, Casey Shinault and Marylin Dargitz provided unwavering support.”
“Upon applying for my permanent role as a registered nurse, I embraced the opportunity to explore other departments in addition to the emergency department. Landing a position with Chrissy Lawson and the coronary care team felt like destiny. Their warm welcome and endless support have truly verified that everything happens for a reason. The family environment at Memorial Regional Medical Center genuinely makes this a one-of-a-kind place to work.”
Kaitlyn encourages anyone interested in the medical field to start with a position in patient transport, as it offers exposure to various professions and helps determine the best fit.
“By working in patient transport, you are immersed in a variety of professions, allowing you to determine the best fit for you,” she explains. “Through the conversations I have had with those in the facility, I have discovered health care to be filled with more diverse opportunities than I ever imagined.”
Learn about the heart and vascular services we provide at Bon Secours.
Also, visit our careers page if you are interested in exploring new opportunities within our ministry.
