One of Us: Rosanne Wilson
One of Us is a series that provides a glimpse into the working world of USA Health, one employee at a time.
What is your job? What does it entail?
I am a certified registered nurse practitioner with the Pandemic Response Team. Since March of 2020, I have conducted telemedicine visits for patients who may have symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19 so that a test may be ordered. I am able to refer any eligible positive COVID-19 patient to the COVID Care Clinic for monoclonal antibody infusion. I am able to see patients at that clinic, if needed.
Since the beginning of our Pfizer vaccination clinic at the Mobile Civic Center, I have been on site monitoring patients after vaccination for any potential allergic reactions, and I also follow up with patients who report any side effects on our symptom reporting tool in the days following vaccination.
What is your favorite or most rewarding part of your position?
I would say there are numerous rewarding parts! Being able to help educate patients and calm their anxieties surrounding this pandemic by giving them tools to help protect themselves and their families is definitely a reward. Being a part of the introduction of an effective vaccine to our community is very exciting and gives hope that a more normal life is around the corner. I can't talk about rewards without mentioning the fabulous team that we have here at USA Health. I have seen countless hours of work and dedication by our team, which makes me very proud to be a part of it.
What originally made you want to join USA Health?
I was working at an internal medicine practice that joined USA Health a few years back, and I was excited to once again be a part of a learning health institution that was committed to bringing the best healthcare to our community.
How long have you been with USA Health?
About seven or eight years. As a nursing student in 1999-2000, I worked as a student nursing assistant. When I moved to Mobile in 2008, I worked for the USA health system once again for a couple of years. After I graduated with my family nurse practitioner degree in 2014, I joined an internal medicine practice that then joined USA Health.
What has working with USA Health taught you?
Working with USA Health has taught me that across all ages, ethnicities, races and socioeconomic lines, we are all humans who just want someone to listen to our problems and offer individualized guidance, education and treatment based on evidence and experience.
Do you have any goals that you want to achieve in the health system?
Goals for me would be guided by goals that I would love to see met in our community and surrounding communities. Chronic disease management, disease prevention, reaching underserved communities and branching out in telemedicine are all interests.
What is your favorite hobby or pastime outside of work?
I love spending time with my family. I have a husband, two older boys and a grandson. I also have two Labrador Retrievers. I love time spent relaxing on the river or on the beach.
Do you have any advice for people who want to work in the health system?
If you want to work in a health system that is moving forward into the community, and if you love to help mentor future healthcare workers, this is the place for you! If you have an idea to better the health of this community, this is where it can be heard and implemented.
