Diane Kochinsky, BSN, began her career at Phoenixville Hospital in 1978.
What departments have you worked in during your tenure at the hospital?
I currently work in the Endoscopy unit. In my time at Phoenixville, I’ve worked in nearly every unit - including all the Medical/Surgical floors Obstetrics, Intensive Care, Emergency Department, and the Procedure Units.
Why did you want to be a nurse?
I don’t know why I went into nursing, but out of high school I entered the LPN program at Sacred Heart Hospital in Norristown, then I went to Reading Area Community College for my Associates in Nursing, and seven years ago I got my BSN from Eastern University.
Why do you love working at Tower Health?
Phoenixville Hospital is in my backyard, so every day I’m caring for my neighbors. When I worked in the nursing units, a lot of new nurses would come to me for help and it was nice to be able to give back and help them as they began their careers.
What motivates you to continue to care for patients in the community?
I get to work with my friends/coworkers every day while we help care for our community.
Do you have a memorable patient story?
Every patient is memorable.
What is the best thing about being a nurse?
I enjoy the patients and the patient’s families. I enjoy seeing them out in the community after they’ve been discharged from the hospital and seeing how they’ve progressed.
What is the most challenging thing about being a nurse?
For me, it’s the changes in computers and technology. As soon as you get used to the new program, it changes and updates, but nursing is a profession of lifelong learning and that includes technology.
What are you most proud of in your nursing career?
The fact that I’ve done it for 44 years! I’m planning to retire in September 2023.