Her Story
About Elizabeth
Elizabeth is a retired registered nurse whose 38-year career was defined by compassionate pediatric care and a commitment to improving the lives of children with complex medical needs. After earning her Associate of Science in Nursing from Cape Cod Community College, where she graduated magna cum laude, Liz dedicated her career to serving patients with skill, empathy, and unwavering professionalism.
For the final 14 years of her nursing career, Liz specialized in private-duty pediatric home care, providing one-on-one care for medically fragile children who depended on ventilators, tracheostomies, and G- and J-tubes. Working independently in patients' homes, she was entrusted with both their medical care and overall well-being while their parents were at work. Beyond meeting their healthcare needs, Liz found great joy in helping children laugh, learn, and experience the comfort of genuine human connection.
Inspired by her mother, who raised eight children and encouraged her daughters to pursue nursing, Liz has always viewed caregiving as both a profession and a calling. Although she retired in 2015 due to polymyalgia rheumatica and rheumatoid arthritis, she remains proud of the meaningful relationships she built with her young patients and the positive impact she made throughout her distinguished nursing career.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Elizabeth
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to continued education and lifelong learning. I believe staying current through CEUs and learning from other professionals, such as physical therapists, is essential to success in the healthcare field. My mother also played a significant role in inspiring me to pursue nursing and guiding my commitment to care.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to be kind to everyone and never view your rank as higher or better than anyone else’s. We are all part of the same team, and success comes from working together with respect, humility, and collaboration.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to stay calm, listen closely to your peers and mentors, and treat everyone with respect. Experience will come quickly when you remain open and willing to learn. Finding a strong mentor who can guide and support you can make a meaningful difference in your growth and confidence.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I am currently retired due to illness since 2015, so my focus is no longer on professional challenges in the field. However, one of the greatest opportunities in this stage of my life has been the ability to support my church and help a family in need within my community.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are honesty and truthfulness. I also strongly believe in being an advocate for clients, especially children, by ensuring they have a strong voice and the support they need to be heard and understood.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.