Dionne stepped up for The Caring Foundation during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic and since then, has become our lead nurse. Dionne not only helps vaccinate children and adults, but she also helps train our staff and volunteers before clinical events on providing health screenings or how to properly vaccinate (for certified nurses). We truly value and appreciate all the hard work Dionne has done for the Foundation and the communities in DFW. We want others to get to meet the fantastic person that she is through a fun interview, please check it out below:
Interviewer: What inspired you to become a nurse?
Dionne: I have been a nurse for over 30 years. My undergraduate degree is from LSU Medical Center, New Orleans and my M.S. in Nursing Education is from TWU. I have experience in medical surgical, women’s health, school nursing, nursing education, and childhood immunizations with Care Van. As a nurse working with and caring for people of all ages and backgrounds has been very rewarding for me personally. Professionally, my nursing career has been a wonderful journey with several opportunities to learn, grow, and teach the next generation.
Interviewer: How long you have been with The Caring Foundation of Texas and what do you like about the foundation?
Dionne: I started as a volunteer with Care Van in fall of 2020 when the pandemic was in full swing. I knew from personal experience how childhood vaccine schedules were interrupted, and parents feared going to the doctor for well visits due to COVID-19. During the first clinic I was surprised by several parents sincerely thanking us for being there, and I instantly became energized by the opportunity to help. Since then, I have joined Care Van as an employee providing childhood vaccines all around North Texas to families that are still challenged by access, cost, and catching up on missed vaccines.
Interviewer: What is your favorite part about your current role?
Dionne: I am proud to be a part of a dedicated team protecting children against vaccine preventable diseases. It takes a lot of work and many talented people to provide vaccines on site where it is needed.
Interviewer: Tell us a fun fact(s) about yourself!
Dionne: I am a foodie and love trying new foods from other cultures, especially if it is spicy. There are only a few foods I do not eat, and radishes is one of them- yuck.
We want to thank Dionne for her dedication in ensuring DFW children stay healthy. Dionne’s contributions to the team have been invaluable to the success of The Caring Foundation of Texas. We have been fortunate enough to have Dionne be a part of the Dallas Care Van team!