Samantha Tomer is a registered nurse who cares for pulmonary and gastro-intestinal patients at UMass Memorial Medical Center’s University campus in Worcester. A nurse for 17 years, Tomer has worked at UMass Memorial since 1998. She received her nursing degree from Quinsigamond Community College.
Q: What’s the biggest part of your job?
A: The biggest part of my job is helping a patient and family members navigate through their health care experience.
Q: What changes have you seen in the industry throughout your career?
A: I think the biggest change has been the transition to a more traditional business model. Profit and losses are real. A hospital needs to make money to stay in business. Everyone is being pushed to do more with less.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about working in health care?
A: Versatility is my favorite thing. Each day brings its own challenges and its own rewards. Nurses are involved with birth, death, small issues and catastrophic life changes, business and innovation.
This interview was edited for length by Emily Micucci.
