“Karen is always putting her patients’ needs and comfort first.“
Karen Gonzales has been an LVN for 19 years. The day before one of the hospice patients passed away, Karen bought a Rosary, had it blessed, and secretly placed it in his hand when she was helping pull him up into the bed. She knew what the Rosary would mean to this patient. She didn’t realize the family had seen her put it into his hand until later. The family was very appreciative of this amazing gesture that demonstrated what CHI St. Joseph Health’s mission is all about.
Q: Karen, what do your daily activities include?
A: Enjoying my grandkids, going to all their activities at their schools, and having lunch with the youngest grandson at his school.
Q: What do you love most about your job?
A: Making my residents and families feel good about themselves during their most trying and unexpected trials.
Q: What made you want to work in healthcare?
A: Well, initially I wanted to be a schoolteacher, but when I became a nursing assistant, I felt this was more of a calling for me than teaching in the school system. Then I took a step further and became an L.V.N. I also attempted more steps forward: attending Dilliard University toward a BSN for three years until Hurricane Katrina came along in my last year and pretty much deterred my goals.
Q: Where did you go to school?
A: I attended New Regional Institute and Dilliard University in New Orleans, LA.
Q: What do you like most about CHI St. Joseph Health?
A: I enjoy the continuing education classes we have to do periodically and in-services provided.
Q: How would you describe your philosophy of care?
A: I feel being a caring individual I can continue to be an asset to CHI St Joseph Health.
Q: What do you like most about the community?
A: I like how people come together to help others in need, for example, the KBTX food drive. I love giving to the less fortunate.
Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
A:Well….I will be truthful, I like going on the bus rides to the Casinos.
Q: Is there anything else you would like us to know about you?
A:Yes, my daughter and her family are here, and we have decided to make Bryan, Texas, our new home.