USF College of Nursing graduate student Crystal Ché Williams wasn’t certain what to expect when she began her clinical hours, however, her preceptor provided an exemplary experience that Williams is enthusiastic about sharing with others.

Mary Curtis, ARNP-CHFN, leads BayCare Medical Group’s Heart Function Clinic, where she works with heart failure patients discharged from Morton Plant Hospital. Early on in her career as a registered nurse, she intentionally chose to precept students like Williams.

“It has been a very rewarding part of my career,” said Curtis, who is an alumna of USF Nursing’s master’s program. “I had wonderful preceptors throughout my education, and I wanted to give back to my profession.”

For Williams, working with Curtis has been a noteworthy experience.

“She (Curtis) showed me how healthcare is truly supposed to be done. She provided me with an opportunity to see how strong an educational relationship there is between the nurse and patient,” Williams said. “She encompasses everything our DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) program is trying to teach us.”

Curtis said her main focus is to educate patients on their diagnosis, medications and self-care and to ensure patients are treated medically according to the ACC/HFSA guidelines.

“It is my mission to educate on the care of the patient with heart failure, and this is a perfect opportunity to do so,” Curtis said. “I enjoy having students in my practice, because I learn from them as much as I teach.”

Story by Jessica Samaniego, USF College of Nursing Communications & Marketing Officer