Constant Observer of Nurse Flow, Garnet Health

Yolanda Acevedo is a Constant Observer of Nurse Flow at Garnet Health Medical Center, and there’s nothing she likes better than seeing her patients smile. But being a caregiver isn’t something she leaves at work. Yolanda also manages her father, Neftali Acevedo Cruz’s, illness.

Several years ago, her father began having trouble walking, so Yolanda flew to Puerto Rico and brought him to New York to care for him. Soon after, he was diagnosed with dementia and moved to a nearby nursing facility, where Yolanda could continue to see him regularly.

Listen to Yolanda’s story.

Caring for her dad introduced her to the world of healthcare. As she learned more about his illness, she found herself more and more interested, so much that she decided to leave the sales and banking jobs she held and make a big career change: She followed her newly discovered passion and accepted a position with Garnet Health. “I wanted to learn how to help my dad, and others too,” she said. “So, I made a big change and I’m glad I did, even though working here is my first experience in healthcare, other than watching General Hospital with my sisters when we were growing up!”

In her position, Yolanda’s primary responsibility is to maintain constant, visual and aural observation of her patients to help ensure their safety and well-being. It’s a responsibility that she doesn’t take lightly, so this spring she decided to begin her own health journey so she can remain strong for her father and her patients. “My goal is to lose 20 pounds by my birthday in June,” she said.

Yolanda’s journey includes a healthy eating tip she learned from her mother, who recently turned 94 years old. She prepares chicken and other lean meats “al vapor,” adding a touch of avocado oil and cooking with water vapors instead of frying. She also seasons her meals with onion powder and fresh garlic, cilantro and peppers that she grows. “This way, my meals taste good, and they aren’t dried out from the oven or greasy from frying,” she said. “Plus, it saves money, and it’s good for you.”

Yolanda has also increased her exercise, enjoying walks along the water at Wallkill River, a relaxing environment that’s very different from Brooklyn and the Bronx, where she spent most of her life. “I’m excited to get going with the warmer weather,” she said. “I can’t wait to smell the flowers and hear the birds singing while I get some exercise and clear my mind. I’m even going to try using my 1199SEIU Benefit Funds resistance band to do some stretching, so I know I’ll get even better results!”

Her new routine is already having a positive impact on her hypertension, which she developed 10 years ago. Yolanda is happy to say her cardiologist recently gave her some good news: Her blood pressure has stabilized, so the doctor was able to reduce one of the medications she takes.

And Yolanda’s not stopping there. Her next goal is a yoga class. She found some instructional videos online, and she’s interested in giving the Benefit Funds’ online exercise classes a try, as well. Her plan is to set up her yoga mat in her yard to make the most of the warmer weather.

The spring air has her thinking about travel. “I want to go back to visit Puerto Rico,” she said. “I see myself relaxing on a beach after I achieve my goals, with the gentle sound of the waves and a smile on my face!”