On the 9th of December 2025, Gina Simoni’s assistant manager, Susan, sat her down and asked her a pointed question: “Why did you become a nurse?” Gina, a Registered Nurse on 2 South (a medical-surgical unit) at Cleveland Clinic’s Medina Hospital for over five years, quickly began rattling off some answers. But Susan stopped her and said, “I really want you to think about it.” Gina paused and replied, “I will. I’ll write something up and get it to you tomorrow.” 

The Care that Shaped Her 

The question prompted Gina to revisit the earliest chapter of her life — one she knows through her mother’s retelling — when she arrived weeks early and spent months fighting for her life in the neonatal ICU. It was an uncertain time that included recurrent lung collapses, numerous chest tube placements and blood transfusions, and constant vigilance of the nurses who cared for her. “Their compassion left such a lasting impression on my family that I was given the middle name Maria after one of the nurses who helped save my life,” Gina says. 

Compassionate Care Continues 

Her calling grew stronger when her grandmother came to live with her family after she broke her hip and stayed in a hospital bed in Gina’s room. Gina naturally stepped into a caregiving role, “turning her in bed at night, making sure she was comfortable, and changing her radio station to whatever brought her peace.” This is where Gina discovered that supporting someone in their most vulnerable moments is both a privilege and a responsibility. 

Her Unique Path 

Gina didn’t pursue her nursing career until she was in her 30s, influenced in part by doubts planted long ago when a teacher told her she wasn’t “college material.” After earning her associate degree from Lorain County Community College in 2020, Gina wasted no time stepping into her role at Medina Hospital, joining the team on 2 South. But she didn’t stop there — she kept pushing herself to grow. In 2023, she hit a huge milestone after she went on to complete her bachelor’s degree from Ohio University — balancing full-time employment with full-time studies, demonstrating her dedication to expanding her knowledge and critical skills. (And quieting those doubts.) 

Sharing Her Expertise 

On her med-surg floor, which Gina describes as “the heart of nursing,” she oversees the care of approximately 4-5 patients, including post-operative patients, as well as those with acute exacerbations of chronic diseases such as diabetes, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and wound infections requiring IV antibiotics. Her core responsibilities include managing IV and oral medications, caring for surgical wounds and drains, participating in plan-of-care rounds with doctors, and teaming up with physical therapy, outpatient services and case management to coordinate each patient’s discharge. 

Gina later took advantage of the opportunity to learn more through Cleveland Clinic’s generous tuition reimbursement, with them paying for her exam to become a Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN). 

A Surprising Impact 

Since joining the unit, Gina has formed genuine connections with her patients — many of whom are navigating fear and uncertainty — by treating them with empathy and a steady presence. One of her standout memories occurred during Covid, when patients were still in isolation. She was caring for an older gentleman who was anxious and depressed, isolated in a room by himself, and unable to have visitors.  

Gina remembers, “I sat down on the foot of his bed and held his hand and started talking to him. We had the nicest, most beautiful conversation. We talked about 

life — I’m not even sure what we talked about. But just by me sitting there with him, I could tell he was feeling better. I love to do that with my patients when I can.” 

A few months after the man was released, her manager shared a letter that he had sent to the hospital to thank her for the impact she made on him during his stay. “I was blown away that this gentleman took the time to write this letter and say how much he appreciated me for what I did,” she says. 

The Appeal of Med-Surg 

While many nurses set their sights on pediatrics or the ICU, Gina proudly stands by med-surg. She believes the unit’s reputation for being “hard” is exactly what makes it special. Med-surg is where you see everything — and that’s what I love about it.” 

Gina also emphasized the strength of her team, noting “You’re never alone. There’s a strong sense of collaboration, support across specialties and genuine investment in our growth through education and career advancement. The people I work with are more than fellow caregivers – they’re friends. And that sense of belonging is what makes me stay.”