Healthcare Heroes | Emma Flegel
May 21, 2021
What is your official Title?
I am a Mental Health Tech and I work in the Senior Behavioral Health Inpatient Unit.
How long have you been at Watertown Regional Medical Center? Have you always been in the same position?
I started at WRMC in July of 2020 so I've only been here and in this position for one year. Before starting here I was a CNA/Med Tech working at an assisted living facility for five years. I made the switch because I wanted to work in a hospital acute setting.
What do you enjoy most about working at Watertown Regional Medical Center?
I feel grateful that I am able to help serve older adults within our state who experience severe mental health symptoms. It feels pretty cool to work in a department offered at such a short list of hospitals in Wisconsin.
I also enjoy the people I work with and the flexibility with hours while attending nursing school.
What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?
My grandma was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer when she was still relatively young. Ever since then I knew I wanted to get into healthcare so I could help patients and their families who are going through health issues of their own.
What would you say to somebody wanting to get into your profession?
Working in the healthcare industry is worth all of the time spent preparing and learning. It feels great knowing you are helping people.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?
I enjoy spending time with my family and getting active outdoors with activities like running and biking. When the weather isn't as nice or when I feel like laying low I enjoy doing sudoku and crossword puzzles. I also like adding to my croc collection!
What is your favorite place in the Watertown area?
If it's "Taco Tuesday" you'll find me at Amados. I also like the interurban trail to Oconomowoc and shopping at Ava's Boutique downtown.
What does working for a CMS “Five-Star” Hospital mean to you?
It's important for me to know we have the resources we will need to provide quality care to the community 24 hours/day.
Why do you believe patients can count on Watertown Regional Medical Center for quality care?
Patients can count on us because of our staff and the processes we have in place. We are a well-staffed hospital and have great communication between shifts, we overlap shifts to cover reporting, and everyone is willing to step-up and cover additional shifts when needed.
What is one thing you’re doing to help prevent the spread of COVID-19?
I make sure to stay compliant to CDC guidelines, including staying home when symptomatic, washing my hands frequently, masking when appropriate, and I got my COVID-19 vaccine.