My name is Keshon, and I’m a nurse at UPMC.
I might only be 23 years old, but I’ve managed to fit a lot into my career so far! In 2020, I graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Chatham University through their Pathways to Nursing program in collaboration with UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing. Prior to my nursing career, I was a Pharmacy Technician and Patient Care Technician. Now, I am a Staff Nurse in a Medical/Surgical/Oncology unit at UPMC McKeesport.
Each day, I find myself smiling and proudly stepping forward as I begin a new adventure as a young man and professional nurse employed by UPMC McKeesport. This is my hometown, and I am honored to serve McKeesport’s citizens and the surrounding areas I come into contact with. These persons often have/or are confronted with numerous challenges, including addiction, comorbidities, mental health, poverty, and homelessness. To many, these persons are invisible, but I recognize the dignity of all person and their individuality. I truly believe each person matters.
"I truly believe that caring and sharing promote togetherness which leads to harvests of equality amongst all."
Keshon B., Staff Nurse, UPMC McKeesport
Daily, I strive to give back to others in need or who are challenged. I give back by exercising my helping hands, utilizing my medical skills, activating my listening ears, advocating for my patients, and focusing my eyes to restore health, spread happiness, and stimulate hope. This, in return, brightens my heart, spirit, and soul. I was born into a family of helpers and healers, including nurses, social workers, veterans, teachers, therapists, and caregivers. They bestowed me with a sense of respect, loyalty, patience, grace, and kindness. I truly believe that caring and sharing promote togetherness which leads to harvests of equality amongst all. A sense of humanity via diversity will provide a plethora of love, support, happiness, peace, and health as a welcome sign to McKeesport.
As I continue my career at UPMC McKeesport, I have my eyes set on my next goal: becoming a Nurse Practitioner. With the help of UPMC’s tuition assistance benefit, I get $6,000 a year to put towards my continued advancement as a nurse and leader, all while keeping my job.
"This is my hometown, and I am honored to serve McKeesport's citizens and the surrounding areas I come into contact with."
Keshon B., Staff Nurse, UPMC McKeesport
UPMC McKeesport has done a great job at providing opportunities like this to grow my career. My unit director recognized some of my interests and skills related to leadership, and now I’ve been able to become a preceptor to students and new nurses. I am so connected with everyone here, and we are able to support one another in our work. From leaders to other nurses, no one is inaccessible.
I can’t think of a better place for me to continue my work as a nurse than in the community I grew up in. I am right where I’m supposed to be! If you’d like to join me, UPMC McKeesport is offering sign-on of up to $15,000 for qualifying nursing positions! With a close-knit community feel, real room for growth, and invested leaders who care about you as a person and professional, UPMC McKeesport is a great place to be a nurse. There are so many ways to grow as a nurse at UPMC, and my career path is proof of that.
Keshon was my fathers nurse when he was in McKeesport Hospital. He noticed there was something wrong with his IV. He called the nurse in who did the IV and they alerted the doctor and they treated the IV site. He was very knowledgeable and his compassion was exceptional! McKeesport should be glad to have him working at their hospital!
Great story!!
Keshon is such a pleasure to work with and always bring s positive environment to the unit. He makes it his mission to make you laugh or to put a smile on your face. At such a young age he has already accomplished so much and I wish him the best of luck on his future endeavors at UPMC and while achieving his goal of becoming a Nurse Practitioner!