Paying it Forward, One Patient at a Time: Noelle Leonard’s Story of Healing and Perseverance
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Sometimes, the most unexpected turns lead us to our true calling. Noelle Leonard had a career working in government, the same field as her father, but after several years, she felt compelled to pursue the field her mother worked in --healthcare. In 2008, she became a pharmacy tech at Winchester Medical Center (WMC). But it wasn’t until 2013, when Noelle had a life-threatening experience and became a patient herself, that she decided to redirect her efforts toward patient care, driven by a desire to "pay it forward."
“I gave birth at a hospital in the Baltimore metropolitan area because I was born with a heart defect and was considered very high risk,” shares Noelle, “About 2 weeks after delivery, I woke up with a dangerously high fever of 105 and body tremors. I just knew something wasn’t right. I took an ambulance to WMC where doctors conducted a multitude of tests and was diagnosed with septic shock. The last thing I remember I was being woken up after emergency surgery due to retained infected placenta – and the surgery saved my life.”
The event had a profound effect on Noelle. It was the beginning of her journey toward healing and solidified her commitment to continue her education and begin working with patients one-on-one.
While going back to school to become an Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Noelle worked as a medical assistant. Once she passed her LPN exam and graduated from the program, she immediately started working toward becoming a Registered Nurse (RN). Shortly after achieving that milestone, she pursued a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Noelle achieved this all while having three open heart surgeries and juggling the responsibilities of single parenthood.
“I went through sepsis twice, put myself through nursing school and all the other juggling acts as a single mom – and Valley Health helped me do that,” she shares.
"Valley Health is flexible and I could get into the field as a pharmacy tech, see what I liked, and then move in that direction. I was able to do the first program, start working, get help with school, and then continue my journey from LPN to RN to BSN."
“The people I work with on a daily basis are so amazing. Ever since my first experience working at Valley Health in Inpatient Pharmacy – I've considered my colleagues family because of how supportive and amazing they are, and I’ve experienced that in each department I’ve worked in here. I could have gone and worked at other hospital systems or private practice over the last 16 years, but I stay here because Valley Health has not only been my safe haven as a patient but as a professional as well.”
After Noelle’s most recent heart surgery was in July 2023, she feels almost fully recovered and earlier this year starting floating to work at the cardiac rehab where she was a patient, continuing to work as a nurse on a per diem basis.
This story is a reminder of the profound impact that all healthcare professionals provide, from saving lives to changing the course of lives, all by giving the gift of hope and healing, one patient at a time.
It’s also a reminder that it’s never too late to shift your career and find the flexibility and support needed to advance in a career in healthcare. At Valley Health, we welcome you to join our team of caregivers!