My name is Judy Laky and I have been an RN for 32 years.  I began my career as a diploma nurse, having graduated from St. Luke's Hospital School of Nursing in Bethlehem, PA.  My specialty was Progressive Care, or ICU step down.  I moved to St. Petersburg in 1990 and found my way to Edward White Hospital in 1991.  I worked for 10 years in PCU, earning my CCRN in 1992.  In the meantime, I married and had two children.  In 2001, I took a job at Kindred Hospital in St. Petersburg, a long term acute care facility.  In 2002, I became a student at SPC in the RN-BSN program.  My class was the second cohort to enroll, and consisted of 20 or so students.  I am proud to say that I graduated from SPC with my BSN in December of 2004.  I then obtained my MSN with a concentration in nursing education from the University of Tampa in May of 2009.  I became the Education Coordinator at Kindred in January of 2007.  I then found my way back to Edward White Hospital as the Case Manager for ICU/PCU, and was eventually promoted to the Director of PCU.

Since that time, I have served in various Management positions, and eventually obtained a position at the Bay Pines VA.  I have been there for over four years, and have truly come to respect and admire our country's Veterans more than words can express.  I feel privleged to have had this experience: to care for those who have cared for us.

I have always loved nursing, and am thankful everyday for the many opportunities that I have been afforded in this profession.  Nursing care is the critical component in any healthcare experience, and absolutely impacts patient outcomes.  I enjoy helping students advance their careers, in turn advancing our profession.  I do not need to express how the pandemic has impacted all health care providers, nurses in particular.  With that said, I don't think I have ever been prouder to say that I am a nurse.

Wishing you all the best in your journeys and career paths.