That's Why We're Here - Kayla Drake SBHU Nurse

What is your role and department?
I am a registered nurse in our Senior Behavioral Health Unit.

What does a typical day look like in your position?
Every day is different! Typically, we follow a schedule for the patients including passing out medications, helping them eat their meals, doing mental and physical health assessments, and engaging them in group activities, etc.

How long have you been at Watertown Regional Medical Center? Have you always been in the same position?
I will be here two years in July and have always been in the Senior Behavioral Health Unit.

Why did you choose your profession? Have you always wanted to do it?
I went to school for nursing after working as a medical assistant. I loved the interaction with patients and wanted to continue my education. Funny, I never wanted to be a nurse when I was younger. I was very interested in psychology and sociology in high school, which is what I initially went to college for. Working on the Senior Behavioral Health Unit is a perfect combination of both of these passions.

How do you and your department help our patients get/stay healthier?
In the Senior Behavioral Health Unit, we treat patients (aged 55 and older) as a whole person. We work on their mental health needs, as well as their medical needs. Typically patients are on our unit for 10-12 days so we really get to know them and their families. It is exciting to see how treatment can help our patients.

What motivates you to come back to work every day?
I enjoy my co-workers. They make the job fun, even when it is stressful. I also have a great boss who understands the importance of work/life balance.

What’s new in your department? Are there any new technologies being utilized?
We have recently started utilizing a call center to help manage patient referrals. We accept patients from all over Wisconsin and the call center has has made things easier to process and accept these referrals in a timely manner. The phone number for referrals is 920.390.7303.

If you weren’t a Registered Nurse, what would you want to do/be?
I recently opened a bookstore in Beaver Dam, called Rosalee Book Boutique, which was a lifelong dream of mine. When I’m not at work, I am working at the store. I enjoy meeting new people at the store and have really learned a lot of things along this journey.

What are some of your interests outside of work?
I have three kids. We love hockey. My two younger boys both play and my husband coaches. I enjoy shopping with my daughter, and of course I LOVE READING.

What is your favorite local gem in the Watertown area? (Example: Restaurant, park, activity)
My favorite place is Higher Grounds Coffee Shop in Beaver Dam. I go there almost every day. The staff is great and the vanilla chai is the best.