Healthcare Hero- Heather Clayton

Heather Clayton, LPN 

1. What is your role at Carolina Pines? 

I am a Licensed Practical Nurse in the Acute Care Services Department

2. How long have you been employed at the hospital and have you always been in the same position?

I have been an employee at CPRMC since November 2011. I started out as a Unit Clerk/CNA in Intensive Care Unit. I floated between Intensive Care and Progressive Care Units on night shift for three years before I transitioned to day shift. After transitioning to a day shift, I assisted between different units around the hospital as needed (L&D, ACS, ED, Post-Partum, Recovery.) I became very familiar with the floors over the years of working as a CNA. I also learned to read telemetry strips for the heart monitors, and how to do EKGs, so I was able to pick up the shifts that were needed, and then became a telemetry technician two years before going to school to become an LPN on Acute Care Services.

3. What do you like to do in your spare time?

When I am not working you can usually find me outdoors with my daughter. I like to make wreaths, door hangers, shirts and cups. If I think that I might be able to make it, I will at least try it once. I enjoy spending time with my family. I also enjoy hunting and fishing with my husband.  

4. What is one thing on your bucket list?

Something I have always wanted to do is go to Hawaii with family on vacation and tour the Pearl Harbor National Memorial.

5. You're happiest when....?

I would have to say I am happiest when my husband, daughter, and I are spending time together making memories. Everything else is irrelevant in the moment when that is happening for us! We cherish these times! 

6. What is the best part about working at Carolina Pines?

I enjoy working at Carolina Pines because of the people that surround me. I could not ask for a better environment. I feel as though my co-workers are my second family. They are who I ask for help when I need assistance, and if they need assistance, I am willing to help them too. We depend on teamwork while working and that is what makes it a great place to work. Also, the fact that the physicians make it where we can communicate with them throughout the day makes working here more enjoyable. I really enjoy working on Acute Care Services. There is never a dull moment working in this department. It can be tricky at times, but with the morale of the staff, and personality that it brings you will never have a bad day.