Namira Romero was still working in Ohio when she applied for a job in the MedQuarter Regional Medical District. She wasn’t quite sure that she wanted to move — until she had the interview.
The respect and appreciation she felt made it an easy choice. She accepted an offer from UnityPoint Health-St. Luke’s and made Cedar Rapids her home in October 2015. She works as a surgical nurse in the operating room and loves it.
“Everyone is so caring,” Namira said. “I not only work with intelligent, competent staff, but also people who show me they care about me and make me feel like I am a part of their family.”
And she feels respected and appreciated.
“I feel like I matter, like I have a say in the hospital. I am on a few committees, and I always feel like I am in a safe place to give my opinion and that my opinion counts – not only in my department, but at the hospital level as well,” Namira said.
Namira also likes the diversity of people in the MedQuarter, from new college graduates to 30 years of service, from native Iowans to diverse world cultures.
“I myself am from Pakistan. There are people from other countries, and we all feel welcomed,” Namira said.
The Benefits of Working Here
She also appreciates the unique benefits of the medical district.
Namira notes that patients have a choice of hospitals and often still have the provider they want because many MedQ providers practice at both hospitals. And when a piece of equipment or product is not available, MedQ providers share.
“It is a collaborative effort. It takes each and every person of the team to get the best patient outcome,” Namira said.
The convenience of close-to-work restaurants, coffee shops and repair shops is another plus for Namira.
As is St. Luke’s employee perks program, offering discounts on lots of goods and services.
She also enjoys the gym membership and tuition reimbursement that St. Luke’s offers. Namira was even awarded a full scholarship through the St. Luke’s Foundation for classes to advance her career.
When Namira is not working, she loves spending time with her big family. She also volunteers at her children’s school and enjoys attending their numerous activities.
And that’s another perk of working in the MedQuarter. The job is family-friendly. “St. Luke’s is very flexible with my hours, and I have a good work and family life balance,” she said.
