St. Mark’s Hospital: More than a workplace, it’s a family

Yvette Smith served in Afghanistan during Desert Storm as a field medic trained in respiratory therapy and specialized in cardiac ultrasound. Two days after returning home to American soil, she applied for a job at St. Mark’s Hospital. Little did she know, during the next 30 years Yvette would continue growing and serving within the St. Mark’s Hospital family.

St. Mark’s Hospital: More than a workplace, it’s a family

Yvette began her career at St. Mark’s Hospital in the Heart Center, working closely with Dr. Keith Richie and under the direction of thoracic surgeon, Dr. Kent Thorne. Yvette remembers it as a time of exciting advancements in cardiac ultrasounds.

“Everything was changing, and everything was new. We were receiving these ginormous cardiac ultrasound machines that were the size of a wall … and we were basically test pilots for transesophageal echocardiogram (TEEs) for valve replacements,” Yvette said.

With healthcare technology advancements moving full speed ahead, the healthcare team pulled close together. To keep up the pace, Dr. Richie suggested that Yvette obtain the latest cardiac ultrasound certification. Even more impressive, Dr. Richie helped Yvette accomplish the goal.

“He took me under his wing and treated me like a daughter. He would sit with me for an hour a day after our shift, helping me so I could pass that test. He was the best director!” Yvette said.

The family-like culture continued over several years working together.

“We had a really tight bond. One day I told Dr. Richie that I was getting married, and he said, ‘Hey, I can do that for you guys!’ So, Dr. Richie actually married my husband and I,” Yvette said.

Home is where your heart is: Treating patients like family members

Eventually, Yvette spent a few years away from St. Mark’s Hospital to raise her two daughters; but she returned to the hospital when the work/life balance felt right. This time, she joined the kidney dialysis team.

“I enjoy working with dialysis because it allows me quality, one-on-one time with patients. I find myself becoming more of an empath, reading how people feel and offering support to the whole circle — not just the patient but the entire family. That’s because, through St. Mark’s, we all become family,” Yvette said.

For example, Yvette recalls a Korean War veteran who asked for a hug every time he finished his dialysis treatment. Yvette said she cried every time he left because she felt a deep connection with and compassion for the grandfather figure.

Timeless treatment: Compassion remains constant

During the past 30 years, Yvette witnessed revolutionary changes within the hospital. She shuffled through time consuming paper charts before electronic medical records came about; and she remembers carefully adding water and calculating doses for antibiotics before they arrived at the hospital premade.

“It’s incredible! People even recover from illnesses quicker. Like with valve replacements, patients would stay in the hospital up to three weeks after a procedure; now they’re getting heart surgery and walking out of the hospital three to five days later. It blows my mind,” Yvette said.

Though much has changed, Yvette says compassion remains the defining trait of the hospital.

“Yes, we all get burned out or frustrated (especially now with the pandemic), but I’ve never seen a nurse treat a family poorly. The nurses and people of St. Mark’s Hospital aim to be caring and consoling every day and with everyone — it’s inspiring,” Yvette said.

With consistent compassion at the core of care, Yvette wishes St. Mark’s Hospital many more years of the same guiding principles.

“Stay consoling, stay compassionate. Keep being the hospital that cares and treats our community so well,” Yvette said. “And Happy 150th anniversary, St. Mark’s Hospital!”

Yvette, her husband and Dr. Richie at her wedding.