Sue Flores, RN, MS
Associate Vice President, Nursing
Why did you choose to leave bedside caring?
I chose to move into nursing administration in order to have a greater impact on patient care and help to define nursing practice. I wanted to be able to establish programs, set policy, provide education to improve the care that is delivered to patients. While I no longer provide direct patient care, everything that I do is centered around what is best for the patient.
What do you like most about your job?
First of all, I LOVE nursing. I enjoy working with the nursing staff and interacting with the physicians and other healthcare professionals in order to provide the best care for our patients. It is exciting to work with such a talented and dedicated group of individuals to improve the care that we provide to patients at Loyola.
How many years have you been working at LUHS?
25 years
Where did you attend nursing school?
BSN -- University of Iowa
MS -- Northern Illinois University
Practice Nursing -- University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics; VNA of Des Moines; Public Health Association of Polk County; Loyola University Medical Center
How do your nursing skills help in your administrative role?
The nursing process has provided me the foundation for project coordination and problem-solving in a fast paced environment. Knowledge of patient care assisted me in working with a variety of disciplines to further care delivery whether it is clinical information systems, designing a new nursing unit, or establishing a new program.
Did you receive any additional training or mentoring to help you succeed as an administrator?
I believe in life-long learning. I learn something new each day whether it is through a conference, reading an article from a scientific journal or through the people with whom I interact. I have had the opportunity to work with individuals who are willing to share their knowledge and experiences with me. I have gained additional knowledge through leadership positions on community boards and other volunteer organizations.