Brandon Coto, L.V.N., originally came to Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Cleburne in 2020 as a patient transporter in Mission Control, transitioned to unit secretary and now is back as a nurse, after leaving the system briefly.
The idea of a healthcare career began when his younger sister was hospitalized. “I was in awe of what nurses could do and the passion they did it with,” he said.
“I have had the pleasure of watching Brandon grow in his medical journey,” said Tonua Carnley, B.S.N., R.N., CMSRN, nurse manager, medical surgical telemetry, Texas Health Cleburne.
“Originally, I met Brandon while he was in Mission Control here. He was always engaged with his peers and patients. He displayed Our Texas Health Promise behaviors throughout every interaction. I had the privilege of hiring him as an L.V.N. on the medical-surgical telemetry unit. Watching Brandon transition into different roles and become proficient in them all, I am excited to have him as a nurse on our unit as a team member.”
Here is more about Coto’s journey, in his own words.
What did you want to be as a kid and how did you ultimately choose your career?
As a kid, I wanted to be a doctor for the longest time until I found out how long the path of education was and started changing my mind. I knew I wanted to work in healthcare in some way. I have always wanted to work in a career where I could give back and make an impact in some way. When I was younger, I remember my little sister had to be admitted to Cook Children’s Medical Center. I will never forget the way the nurses not only took care of her but made the process so much easier for both my parents and my little sister. That experience sparked my curiosity and eventually I found the career that fit with my ideals and character.
What is your workday like?
Every shift is so different, I just never know what to expect. I come in to work, obtain the patient assignment, meet with my preceptor since I am at the end of my nurse residency program, obtain the report from the previous shift, start my morning med pass, chart, admissions/discharges throughout the day, more med pass and charting, update family/patients throughout the day, hand off the report to the upcoming shift and go home.
What is your favorite part of your job, and what is the biggest challenge?
My favorite part is connecting with patients, helping them understand the disease process/treatment and seeing a difference, small or big, in each one of them. As a newer nurse, my biggest challenge is adjusting to the hospital setting, as I previously worked briefly at a skilled nursing facility.
What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
I am the biggest reader and fine art enthusiast. I grew up in an environment that allowed me to pursue, learn and enjoy different genres of literature as well as the freedom to express, learn and enjoy different forms of the fine arts.
How do you do your life’s best work at Texas Health?
I believe that my open, honest and judgment-free personality allows me to better care for my patients. I can connect with patients of all different backgrounds and communicate effectively. Getting to know my patients helps ease their anxiety and helps me find better ways to care for and educate them and their family members. I’ve noticed a better response when I am more empathetic.
