There are nurses. And then there are Cooper nurses.
Meet Ryan Mennel, RN, BSN, CCRN!
Q: What unit do you work on and how long have you been with Cooper?
I currently work in the Cardiac Cath Lab at Cooper. I have been at Cooper since I graduated in 2005, and have worked in the Medical ICU and Trauma ICU before the Cath Lab.
Q: Why did you become a nurse?
When I was young, my grandmother had a stroke and was in the hospital. I went to visit her multiple times and the nurse was my insight to everything going on with her. She helped me understand and made such an impact on me that I knew I wanted to be in that position one day.
Q: What do you love the most about being a nurse?
The impact you can have on a patient and his/her family by being present, attentive, and caring can change the hospital experience for all involved. As a former trauma nurse, I would see patients and their loved ones on what was usually the worst day of their lives. Being present and showing genuine compassion and empathy can help them through those tough times. The impact you can have by simply listening, holding a hand, or being a shoulder to cry on can last forever.
Q: What do you need to get through your 12-hour day?
The four Cs: Camaraderie, compassion, comic relief, and coffee.
Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I enjoy being a loving husband to my wife, Shannon, and a father to my two boys, Griffin and Carter. In the free time that we don’t seem to have, you can find us on the field coaching one of our boy’s soccer and baseball teams or posted up in the stands cheering them on. We are also season ticket holders for our beloved Philadelphia Union Soccer Club.
Thanks, Ryan!
Learn more about what sets our #CooperNurses apart at CooperHealth.org/Nurses.
