Kate, Hospital Administrator for ChristianaCare Hospital, West Grove, recently received an honorable mention in Delaware Today’s 2025 Top Nurses list. This achievement highlights her dedication to patient care, leadership and innovation in nursing.
Kate’s journey to nursing wasn’t traditional, but it was driven by a deep passion for helping others. Her path has been anything but ordinary, from an early career in the horse industry to becoming a hospital leader. Now, as part of Emerus, she values a culture that prioritizes both patients and caregivers, fosters innovation and ensures that healthcare professionals have the support they need to provide the best care possible.
We sat down with Kate to learn more about her career journey, her thoughts on teamwork in nursing, and what this recognition means to her. Here’s what she had to say.
What inspired you to become a nurse?
My path to nursing isn’t what most people expect. Nursing is my second career; my first was in the horse industry. I grew up breaking and training racehorses, competing and teaching both children and adults. I also worked closely with veterinarians and at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center. Eventually, my husband and I bought a small farm in southern Chester County, PA, where I boarded some of my students’ horses, rehabilitated ex-racehorses after injuries, and helped them find new homes.
One afternoon, my husband and I had a candid conversation about the future of my business. I was struggling with a chronic back injury that affected my ability to ride, and with two small children at home, the business was barely breaking even. During that conversation, I realized that nursing might be a natural fit for me, given my background in caring for horses and working with veterinarians. I enrolled in a local community college, with hopes of entering their nursing program. When I began providing direct patient care, I truly fell in love with the profession.
What does this recognition mean to you personally and professionally?
Being nominated for Delaware Today’s Top Nurse in Nursing Professional Development for 2025 was a complete surprise! I’ve spent much of my career working overnight shifts, and in today’s healthcare environment—especially in the Emergency Department—everyone is stretched thin. It’s easy to get caught up in the exhaustion and focus solely on making it through the shift, so I never expected anyone to take the time to nominate me. The fact that someone did reaffirms that I’m still making a difference to the people I work with, even if it’s just one person at a time. That impact, no matter how small it may seem, has the potential to grow and spread.
What’s the most rewarding part of being a nurse?
The most rewarding part of being a nurse, for me, is the opportunity to be a positive presence in someone’s life, even if only for a moment. You never know how much a simple smile or kind word can mean to someone. It’s about making a difference through kindness, especially when people are at their most vulnerable. Whether it’s spending a few extra minutes educating a first-time mom on managing a fever or explaining how to handle a new diagnosis like diabetes, these moments can have a significant impact. We may take this knowledge for granted, but it’s essential to remember that someone once taught us, and not everyone has had that same experience.
What advice would you give to new nurses just starting out?
For new nurses, here’s my advice: Never say, “I know.” There’s always more to learn. Observe how others handle tasks and decisions to understand what to do—and what to avoid. Find a mentor. Your preceptor might not be it, and that’s okay. I still reach out to mine regularly, even though she retired in 2019. Be your own advocate for learning. Get involved in critical patient scenarios and procedures. Once you’re off orientation, those opportunities are harder to come by, so make the most of them now.
How does teamwork play a role in your success as a nurse?
Teamwork is essential to success in nursing. When a team works well together, patient care improves, the unit runs more smoothly, and burnout is reduced. No one wants to face a tough shift alone—being part of a strong, supportive team makes all the difference. With a great team, you can tackle almost anything, and knowing you have that support helps you stay resilient in a challenging job.
Why did you choose Emerus?
I chose Emerus because its core values truly resonated with me. Everyone I’ve encountered has been incredibly welcoming and eager to help me settle in. There’s a genuine emphasis on ensuring that every question I had was answered and that I always felt supported.
Emerus places a strong focus on patient care, which, unfortunately, is not always the case in every healthcare setting. They also recognize that if caregivers aren’t supported, they can’t provide the best care for others. The culture at Emerus encourages innovation, embracing new ideas and different ways of doing things. That commitment to progress and patient-centered care is something I want to be a part of, and I’m excited to contribute to making a positive impact in healthcare.
Taking care of patients, and our own people, is what we do best. Join a team that will make you feel right at home. Explore careers at ChristianaCare Hospital, West Grove at ChristianaCareNeighborhoodHospitals.org
