My why! Gabriella Traver, RN, shares her passion for care

Gabriella Traver, RN, shares why she chose to work for Trinity Health Grand Haven and how it fuels her passion to care for others. She has worked in the Emergency Department (ED) at Trinity Health Grand Haven since 2022. 

“I absolutely love working here,” said Gabriella. “I love caring for patients and helping them through their tough time. I do my best to make them laugh with my sense of humor. Having been in the nursing field for about eight years, I've learned how to quickly read the room and cater to each patient and their family's unique needs. Sometimes quiet is good and sometimes goofy is good, all while taking care of some sometimes very serious diagnoses.” 

Leading with compassion allows Gabriella to find ways to connect with her patients in the ED, even when things are moving quickly. Trinity Health Grand Haven gives back by offering Gabriella the flexibility of her work schedule.

“I like the fast pace and the constant reprioritizing of tasks in the ED,” said Gabriella. “Trinity offers an RN position which works perfectly with my work/life/family balance. My shifts vary based on my needs and the hospital’s needs. I usually like to be finished working by 10 p.m., but I’m willing to start earlier, depending on staffing needs.” 

Since Gabriella has chosen to have a flexible schedule, she gets to experience different shifts, each offering a different experience. 

“Some of my shifts overlap from day shift into the night shift,” said Gabriella. “The feel on the shifts is completely different! Day shift is high energy, lots of movement — plenty of help. The night shift vibe is calmer. But calm does not mean slow; there are just fewer people working. Each day is different, and sometimes the hectic feel of dayshift pours into the evening. Both shifts are busy.”

Working as a nurse is incredibly rewarding. But these caregivers need to care for themselves, too! Gabriella’s family and Lake Michigan help her prepare physically and emotionally for her next shift.

“When I’m not at work, I’m with my family,” said Gabriella. “My husband works from home, and we have two daughters who are a blessing to us. Sometimes we spend time at the beach, and we go boating. We also enjoy baking treats together and sharing them. When the kiddos are entertained and I have time for myself, I like to work out.”

Gabriella is happy that she’s able to put all of herself into her nursing work. She incorporates her skills as a mom, hairstylist, cardiac nurse and even her experience as a patient into caring for others. Trinity Health Grand Haven offers a culture that gives Gabriella the chance to provide outstanding care with compassion. 

“I would recommend people work here,” said Gabriella. “I wouldn't stay here if I didn’t believe this was an exceptional environment for nurses. Having a nursing license opens so many doors and gives hundreds of options for nurses — but there is nothing I would change about where I work!”

Start Your Career with Trinity Health, visit: Nursing Careers | Trinity Health Michigan.