This month for our blog post, we had the amazing opportunity to sit down, chat and interview Nurses 24/7 L&D nurse Jill Agosto. We are very excited to share her story with you as she has been a nurse for over 10 years, named one of the top five nurses in Atlantic County and has received many daisy award nominations.
Tell us a little about yourself.
“I am a mother of three beautiful children, ages 23, 20, and 17. I also have a 3-year-old grandson whom I adore. I love to cook and host dinners, especially for my family and friends.
I have been a nurse for over 10 years and started out in trauma. I am currently a labor and delivery nurse.
In a typical day, I play an integral role in assisting moms and dads through one of the most important and joyful days of their lives. I have the honor of being a part of bringing their baby into the world. There are days when things don’t go as planned and I am there to support my patients and their families through one of the hardest things they will ever have to experience; no mom or dad should ever have to say goodbye to their baby. I find it extremely rewarding to guide my patients through the process of the labor and delivery of their babies. Whether the birth is natural or in the operating room, via c-section, I am the support and guide moms and dads need.
In my profession, I love that I am an autonomous professional who can use critical thinking to care for women and babies. Nursing is not a job; it is a calling. It is ever evolving, and nurses require continuing education and skills evaluation to keep up with the changing world of medicine. Nursing is not what I do, it’s who I am.
This profession is stressful so it is imperative that nurses care for themselves. For nurses to care for others, they must attend to their own needs, including mind, body, and soul. They need to be able to set limits in both their personal and professional lives to be the strong caregivers that they need to be.”
Where did you attend school and what made you choose this profession?
I graduated from Atlantic Cape Community College and am currently attending Wilmington University for my BSN and master’s degree. Nursing school was hard but rewarding. It empowered me to become the educated, skilled caregiver I am today.
“When I was a child, I was involved in an accident that left me with second and third degree burns over a large part of my body. I was in the hospital for months and the nurses were like my family. I was cared for with such love that I knew I wanted to do the same for people. When my first daughter was born, I was not yet a nurse, and wasn’t given the best care. At that point I told my husband that one day I will become a nurse and give every patient the care, love, and empathy that they deserve, regardless of their age, race, or religion.”
We heard that you were nominated for several accolades over the years, we would love to hear more about them.
“About 6 years ago, I was named one of the top five nurses in Atlantic County. I was nominated by a previous patient, who wrote into the local newspaper to tell of the nursing care she received by myself. Over the years, I have been given many awards such as daisy nominations and star awards from both patients and co-workers, recognizing me for the care, skill, and teamwork which I pride myself in.”
What attracted you to work for Nurses 24/7?
“I felt stagnant in the position I was in as a labor and delivery nurse. I wanted to grow my knowledge and skills, while opening my eyes to how different hospitals provide care to expecting moms and their babies. My favorite part of Nurses 24/7 is the people. I am constantly in touch with the agency and know that I will always be greeted with kindness and respect. I feel that my agency has my best interest at heart and is there when I need them.”
What do you like to do in your free time?
“I love spending time with my kids and grandson! I love being out in the sun, whether it’s with my feet in the sand on the beach or sitting on my back deck reading a book. I love great conversations and am one of those people who can talk for hours to someone I just met. I know I can learn something from anyone.”
Do you have any pets?
“I have 2 cats that are about 15 years old. The family calls them the old ladies! They are treated like part of the family, and I believe, they reduce stress. “
If you could choose a superpower, what would it be?
“If I had to choose a superpower, it would be the power to heal. Seeing a baby lose their life before it has begun is heartbreaking. I would love to have the power to heal them so they may experience the life they were meant to live and bring joy to those around them. I often hand off newborns to the parents and wonder what great things he or she will do in their lifetimes. I am honored to bring future teachers, nurses, pilots, presidents into this world!”
We are very honored and proud to have Jill a part of the Nurses 24/7 family! Her dedication to her profession and drive to continuously advance her education is impeccable. We wish nothing but the best for Jill and are very excited to see where her journey with Nurses 24/7 takes her!
Are you a part of the Nurses 24/7 family and have a story to tell? We would love to hear it! Please send us an email to sprekaiski@exchange.nurses247.com .