For Kelly Chhim, working as an RN at Charlton Memorial’s Family Centered Unity (FCU) may have been pre-destined since her grandmother was a midwife in Cambodia, where Kelly was born.
But getting to that point took time. Kelly’s first position at Charlton Memorial was as a Cambodian Interpreter. She saw this as a great way to get her foot in the door but was determined to secure a Nursing job. Her laser focus paid off soon after, and with her new nursing license, Kelly was hired as a MedSurg nurse at Charlton.
It took another two years for Kelly to get to where she was meant to be all along – the FCU. Fast forward 20 years, and Kelly is still there, caring for patients across labor, post-partum and NICU. She genuinely loves being part of such important moments in her patients’ families. At the same time, she and her FCU colleagues have become a tight-knit family themselves.
Kelly loves to see the joy that newborns bring to their moms, and the excitement of bringing a baby home, and is proud to work with positive, supportive colleagues who all share her dedication to patient care.
Eras Tour Q&A
Q: What is it about Charlton Memorial that’s kept you here for 23 years?
A: The FCU is like a family to me. I get along with everyone I work with, and I love the team culture. Everyone is supportive and looks out for one another. I’m also comfortable asking for help and bringing my full self to work every day.
Q: What would you tell yourself 23 years ago when you were just starting out at Charlton Memorial?
A: I remember being very nervous when I first started. There were times when I honestly didn’t know what I was doing, even though I knew I had gotten great training, and I was anxious because English isn’t my first language. If I could talk to that younger me, I would tell her, “Don’t worry, you’ll get there. It won’t take long until you feel more capable and confident.” And that’s exactly what happened. Today, when I help train new nurses, if they’re nervous I tell them, “If I can make it anyone can. If you don’t know something, just ask. There is a whole team here who will help you.”
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