Careers in respiratory therapy are rarely limited to one department, and Krista's is proof.
She joined LifeBridge Health as a new grad respiratory therapist in 2014, and more than 12 years later, she's still here. In that time, she grew a career at Sinai Hospital, the same place where she met her husband, an interventional radiology nurse, and later gave birth to their three children.
Few people can say their whole life came together at work. Krista can.
One of the advantages of working as a respiratory therapist in a hospital is the breadth of clinical experience one can gain during their career. Krista works across the NICU, PICU, ED, ICU and more, which means her days rarely look the same. She cares for patients at every stage of life and works alongside nearly every team in the building.
But for Krista and so many other Lifebridge Health team members, the job isn’t just what happens within the hospital walls. People who've chosen a career built around caring for others know that instinct doesn't end when a shift does; it becomes part of who they are.
Showing Up for the Community
LifeBridge Health and Sinai Hospital’s deep roots in the community give staff members like Krista the chance to put that instinct into action, not just at work, but beyond it.
"One of the things I love is being able to participate and volunteer in those opportunities," Krista said.
"We have the Race for the Kids, we have the Heart Walk...which gives me and my staff and others around me a chance to be involved with the community and make a difference," she said.
A Walk That Became Something More
In 2024, LifeBridge Health’s annual Heart Walk fell on the date of Krista’s late brother’s birthday, making it more than just a community event for her family.
"It was his heavenly birthday, and he died of a cardiac reason. So, it was a no-brainer that we went out and did a cardiac walk," she said.
Around 20 members of her family joined her that day, alongside her Sinai Hospital coworkers.
"That opportunity meant a lot to myself and my family," Krista said. “[We] were all able to get together to walk in honor of my brother."
Careers With Compassion
Krista's story reflects something core to LifeBridge Health. Real compassion isn't confined to a shift or taught in clinicals. It's woven into who our people are and the community where we live and work.
That's the sentiment Sinai Hospital was founded upon more than 150 years ago, and it's why our current teams of respiratory therapists and other clinicians are made up of people who embody this spirit.
This is what it means to CARE BRAVELY: when caring for others is who you are, not just what you do.
Do you want to explore opportunities to CARE BRAVELY with us? Browse open positions and attend an upcoming hiring event!