Derrick, ED RN
Derrick was drawn to healthcare after his father passed away from cancer when he was in high school, driving Derrick to want to help others live their healthiest lives. After working in a Southern California emergency department as a technician, Derrick relocated from Los Angeles to begin his nursing career in the emergency department at Providence Regional Medical Center Everett (PRMCE).
If you want to be challenged, and if you want to learn, Providence is a great place to work.
Why did you choose PRMCE?
I wanted to learn as much as I can and be exposed to a wide range of patients. Everett is a trauma II center, and it’s a stroke center, so I saw that as the opportunity for more education outside of nursing school.
Why do you like coming to work every day?
What I find exciting about coming to work is that I don't know what's going to happen. The unknown kind of excites me. It’s like, "What am I going to get today? What kind of trauma am I going to see? What am I going to learn today?"
What’s great about your team?
We have an amazing team in the ED. It’s like a family. And we do events outside of work to build that connection and rapport so we can help each other better at work. Plus, the nurse leadership is stellar. They’re very open to communication. They want you to thrive; they want you to do your best.
What’s great about living in Everett?
It’s an eclectic city with tons of opportunities to be outdoors. Part of my self-care is being in nature. That also helps me be a better nurse—that positive energy that it gives me. There’s so much to do out here. You’re surrounded by trees, nature and wildlife. That’s something I didn’t get in Los Angeles. It was just all city.