Bringing a Fresh Perspective:
How Presence Shapes Care on Ochsner Baptist Med Surg
Featuring: Rebecca C., RN Manager, Helen W.,RN and Thuy H.,RN
Location: Ochsner Baptist
Every nursing unit has its own rhythm. Over time, nurses learn how shifts unfold, how teams communicate and what it takes to get through the day together.
On the med surg unit at Ochsner Baptist, that rhythm is shaped by more than workflow or patient volume. It is influenced by presence, consistency and the relationships built between leaders and staff over time.
Through the experiences of Nurse Manager Rebecca C. and staff nurses like Thuy H. and Helen W., the story of the unit comes into focus as one grounded in listening, connection and shared responsibility.
Leadership you can see
When Rebecca stepped into her role as nurse manager last August, her first priority was not sweeping change. It was listening. She spent her early weeks observing the flow of the unit, getting to know her nurses and understanding what they experienced day to day.
Rebecca’s nursing background spans pediatrics, surgery and geriatrics, and she brings that perspective into how she leads. She believes leadership starts with being visible, accessible and invested in each individual nurse.
“Being present as a leader is the most important thing,” she said. “Making sure you’re connected with your team and understanding how each person grows.”
That presence shows up in daily interactions, quick check ins during busy shifts and a leadership style rooted in trust. Nurses know who to go to and feel comfortable speaking up, whether they are brand new or highly experienced.
Finding support in real time
For nurses like Thuy H., that support made all the difference. Thuy joined the unit last summer after relocating from Atlanta, adjusting not only to a new hospital, but a new city as well. Consistent leadership presence and regular check ins helped ease that transition.
“They always ask me how I’m doing and if I need anything,” Thuy said. “Even my charge nurse checks in with me throughout the day.”
Over time, professional relationships turned into personal connections. Conversations expanded beyond work tasks, helping new team members feel more grounded and welcomed.
Thuy has worked across several specialties throughout her career, but med surg has always remained a constant.
“My heart is always in med surg,” she said.
Caring for the whole patient
Helen W. brings years of experience across multiple areas of nursing. She believes med surg offers something essential: the opportunity to care for the whole patient, not just a single system or specialty.
“People think med surg is the low end of nursing,” Helen said. “But you’re caring for the entire body. You’re seeing everything.”
She describes the team as closely connected, with leadership and staff aligned through regular communication and mutual respect. Outside of patient care, those relationships extend into everyday moments, from celebrating milestones to supporting one another through challenging days.
“This is serious work and it can be very stressful,” Helen said. “So that connection matters.”
Those relationships help strengthen trust on the unit and support nurses through the emotional demands of their roles.
Why nurses choose med surg at Ochsner Baptist
At its core, the med surg unit at Ochsner Baptist is defined by people who show up, listen and grow together. Leadership presence sets the tone, and the team carries it forward through collaboration, mentorship and shared sense of purpose.
For nurses looking for a place where they can build confidence, develop lasting skills and feel supported along the way, med surg at Ochsner Baptist offers more than a job. It offers a team.
Discover your next nursing team at Ochsner Health.