Giovanna Severoni ’18, recently completed her internship with Independence Blue Cross at the Stephen and Sandra Sheller 11th Street Family Health Services (11th Street), and has left a positive impression with co-workers and patients alike. “Initially they were saying how well she was working out and how well she connected with patients,” said Roberta Waite, EdD, professor and interim associate dean of Community Programs at Drexel University. “However, I quickly received multiple other reports from so many of her co-workers saying how she not only has become such a great part of the team, but how she’s also really increasing the feedback from our female patients.”

 

Severoni was tasked primarily with doing contraceptive education and screening visits for female patients of ages 18 - 48 who are being seen for reasons other than family planning visits. “Whether I had the honor of visiting a patient in his/her home, or was working directly with children in the nutrition program, I truly valued each and every interaction and learned how much nurses do behind the scenes,” she said. 

 

“We have a number of goals at 11th street, and one of those goals was really to target improving our reproductive health of our women,” said Waite. “We were lacking the staff in primary care to try what we wanted to do, so that’s what Giovanna focused on throughout her internship and couldn’t have done a more fantastic job.” 

 

When reflecting on her internship, Severoni recounted a certain interaction with one of her patients where she received unexpected feedback that brought a new sense of gratification to her work. “She went out of her way to thank the staff for a thorough appointment, stating that no one ever took the time to sit down with her and empower her with knowledge,” said Severoni. “I couldn't help but smile, realizing that these qualities were evident in all of the staff at 11th street.” 

 

With all of the positive impact Severoni has made during her time in Independence Blue Cross’ Nurse Internship program, she has realized that there is no doubt nursing is the profession for her. As she moves on and looks forward to helping even more of those in need, Severoni will certainly be bringing her jubilant and caring attitude along with her wherever she goes. “Empowering and supporting patients is the true reason I love waking up for work every day and the reason I chose nursing.”

 

By Jacob Cushing ‘19