Meet Eleni H. RN

Eleni grew up in a small town in Connecticut with a population of just 3,000 people. With only one high school serving the entire town, the sense of community was strong, but opportunities were limited.

Like many young people, she was initially unsure about what she wanted to do when she first entered college. She recalls, "I had no idea what I wanted to do. I was just exploring different options." But fate had other plans, thanks to a cousin who worked at Tulane University. Encouraged by her cousin, Eleni applied to Tulane and was accepted, marking the start of an exciting new chapter in her life.

Moving to New Orleans
Moving to New Orleans was a significant change for Eleni, who had never visited the city before. The vibrant culture, rich history and welcoming community quickly won her over. She graduated with an undergraduate degree in Public Health and Spanish, combining her passion for science and language. However, upon graduating, she found it difficult to secure a job that matched her qualifications and interests.

It was during this period of uncertainty that Eleni had a pivotal realization. After seeing an advertisement for a nursing program, she experienced what she describes as a "light bulb moment." She saw nursing as a perfect blend of her interests in science, public health and Spanish, while also fulfilling her childhood dream inspired by her favorite TV show, "Untold Stories of the ER."

Eleni decided to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from LSU Health Science Center. "It felt like everything clicked into place," she says.

Eleni’s Ochsner Journey
Before starting nursing school, Eleni found a job as a scribe in the emergency room (ER) at Ochsner Medical Center – New Orleans. This role provided her with invaluable experience and a firsthand look at the fast-paced, high-stakes environment of emergency medicine. One meaningful memory stands out from this time. "I remember coming around the corner, pushing the laptop on wheels, and seeing the care team of nurses attend to a patient. They were so coordinated and focused on saving a life. It was such a unique experience."

Eleni's love for nursing is evident in her dedication and commitment to her patients and team. Although she enjoys her current role, she envisions returning to school in the future to specialize in an advanced practice specialty.

One of Eleni's favorite benefits of working at Ochsner is the gym discount program for the Ochsner Fitness Center. "I love the gym discount program. Going 12 times per month gets me a discount, and it’s super convenient since I live close to the local gym," she shares. Her fiancé has also joined the gym, and they often compete with each other, making workouts a fun and stress-relieving activity. "Working out is my way to de-stress from the high intensity that comes with the ER," Eleni adds.

Joining the Ochsner Community
Eleni's story is a testament to the power of following one's passion and the impact that dedicated healthcare professionals can make. For registered nurses, employees and job seekers looking to be inspired, Eleni's journey from a small-town girl to a respected ER nurse at Ochsner is a powerful reminder of what dedication and perseverance can achieve.

Whether you're just starting your nursing career or looking for new opportunities in healthcare, Ochsner offers a supportive and dynamic environment where you can thrive and make a difference. Join us and become part of a community that values excellence, compassion, and teamwork

Learn more about our available opportunities and how you can become part of the Ochsner community.