Healthcare Heroes | Chris Allen, RN

What is your official Title?

I am a Registered Nurse and the Cath Lab Coordinator. I oversee the day-to-day activities of the cath lab team. It's my job to accomodate the patients who need care by calling in teams and acting as the connecting point with the doctors.

How long have you been at Watertown Regional Medical Center? Have you always been in the same position?
I’ve been at Watertown Regional Medical Center since September of 2018. I started in the Emergency Department as an RN and I switched to my current role in October of 2020.

What do you enjoy most about working at Watertown Regional Medical Center?
I like that the heart and vascular team is a tight-knit and strong group. I also like the small hospital feel.You get direct connection with your patients and get to build strong bonds. They aren’t just a number to me or any of my colleagues. I also like that when you pass senior leaders in the hall, they know who you are and you can have a conversation with them.

What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?
I wanted to help people and wanted to be more hands-on than hands-off. I was an ER Tech while going to school and went directly to the Emergency Department as soon as I graduated.

What would you say to somebody wanting to get into your profession?
Make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons. It’s good work and good pay but it’s not always easy. These are trying times and unprecedented stuff we are going through right now.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?
I like being outside when it's warm. I enjoy running, working out, and visiting the parks around town. I also enjoy spending time with my dog, it's a lab/coonhound mix.

Before the pandemic started I enjoyed traveling and taking trips to places like Las Vegas as well as spending time with family and friends.

What is your favorite place in the Watertown area?
I like to visit a lot of the community-owned small business joints. Some of my favorites include
Sake House, PJ’s Pizza, and Harvest Market.

Why do you believe patients can Count on Watertown Regional Medical Center for quality care?
We hold each other to a high standard because we are a close-knit group. Our providers are seasoned professionals who know what’s going on and keep up with the latest health care practices. They know what they are doing and have experience with success. The care you receive at Watertown Regional Medical Center is more individualized and your access to your providers is more direct.

Don't be afraid to come to Watertown Regional Medical Center for care. We can handle most cases that come through our doors but also maintain good relationships with nearby hospitals and know when to send you to another location if you needed. In an area surrounded by tertiary centers, we are standing out as a community hospital with quality care.

What is one thing you’re doing to help prevent the spread of COVID-19?
I received my COVID-19 vaccine, wear my mask in public and continue to correct misinformation by supporting what the CDC is putting out.