July 12th, 2023

Nurse of the Month: Pam Smargiassi

Jen Nicastro, Chief Nursing Officer
Jen Nicastro, Chief Nursing Officer

How did you first learn about Signallamp?

I found the job posted on Indeed.com

What do you like the most about your job?

So much! I always tell family and friends how blessed I am to have this job. I love working the patients and their practices, being a resource for them in their needs. I absolutely love the fact that I don’t have to lose hours if my child is sick. I’ve become skilled in the art of taking care of a sick child and a sick patient at the same time! It’s not easy!

What is the best career lesson you have learned so far?

Never overlook a cough – especially if the patient says, “it’s just a cough.” Get more assessment first, and especially if they have a history of CHF or COPD, intervene based on the details.

Compared with day one, how has Signallamp grown?

I am blown away by the growth this company has experienced. I’ve never worked for a company which has grown so much in such a short period of time. Explosive might be an understatement! And it’s all proof that what we do for our patients and practices makes a real difference. There have been so many improvements, whether it be our ever-expanding information resources for patient assistance or all the
improvements within our main system, Salesforce. (Thank you, Corrin!)

If you could select one co-worker to mentor you, who would you pick and why?

Hands down, Kim Dickey! She is the insurance and billing master! She has always given me so much info on billing and insurance.

What do you like to do when you are not working?

Crocheting and hiking – not at the same time! Now that it’s getting warmer, I plan to be out on the trails more frequently.

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What is a fun fact about you many people may not know?

When I have time, my favorite videos to watch are for cake decorating or dirty houses being cleaned – two things I don’t do in real life!

Tell us about the craziest experience you have had with a patient:

I don’t know if I’ve had a crazy experience, but one of my most eye-opening experiences was when I had a patient scheduled for a mammogram and was diagnosed with cancer. I helped her through the entire process and her cancer is now in remission. Although I’ve had patients with cancer, I’d never worked with one from start-to-finish. This patient taught me anyone can be resilient, and she still inspires me to continue to work hard for people – not only at my job, but also in my life.

Share a success story from your time in CCM:

A 50+ year old patient did not want to complete her yearly mammogram screening. Through education and sharing personal stories related to breast cancer, the patient finally agreed to the mammogram. A small malignant mass was discovered, and I was able to go through everything with her, from her first consult with oncology to her last treatment. Patient has now been in remission for over 6 months.

Signallamp Health: More Than a Nurse in a Chair

Overview of Signallamp Health

Remote Chronic Care Management In Action