My Sovah Story - Danville | Martha "LaFaye" Redd

What is your role at Sovah Health– Danville?

My role at Sovah Health is House Supervisor

What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare? 

My inspiration for getting into healthcare was my daughter. Having her at the young age of sixteen with no high school diploma was very challenging, however I knew I had to try to set a good example for her. Working here at Sovah Health as a housekeeper cleaning patients’ room over twenty-five years ago also inspired me. Each time I would clean the patient’s room they would ask for things that I couldn’t do for them and I really wanted to help, so I got a job in radiology as a radiology assistant, that gave more hands on, but I still felt like that wasn’t enough. One day while I was working, I had an epiphany about becoming a nurse. I literally saw myself in a white uniform taking care of people and I acted on it. I called my guidance counselor at Danville Community College to ask about nursing classes and I was informed that it was the last day to interview for acceptance. I left work early that day, went to the interview and got accepted into the LPN program. I was elated and my daughter was so proud of me.

What is a typical day like for you working in this field? 

A typical day for me working in the role of House supervisor is action packed, you never know what you’re going to encounter each day, this is why I love this position. A little bit of everything role falls under this title, such as meetings to ensure excellent care for our patients, bed assignments, making daily staff assignments, supervising the building, handling decedent affairs, handling transfers from other hospitals, working with doctors and staff to ensure good patient care, decompressing the emergency room, responding to all rapid response, code blues, stroke alerts, STEMI’s, etc., just to name a few. Some days are spent educating staff on how we can work together on one accord to best serve our patients and community. When my day is over, I go home and care for my niece with (sickle cell disease) and her son, my great nephew. I know that a lot of people depend on me to handle all situations that may come up, so I do just that by keeping a team playing spirit, staying calm under pressure, and utilizing all resources available to complete the task. I feel like being raised with eleven siblings gives me that advantage to handle a lot at one time, it was always chaos growing up, but I was labeled the calm in the storm, the voice of reason, the glue of the family. I feel like if the building is still standing at the end of my shift, I done a good job for today. If you have any unsure questions, call the House Supervisor, if I don’t know the answer, I will find you an answer.

How long have you been employed here? Have you always been in the same position? 

All together a total of ten years, when I became an LPN, there were no open positions back then so I left and worked in long term care and until I returned in 2017.

My first job here was Housekeeper, then Radiology Assistant, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) on Medical Surgical unit, and then Registered Nurse (BSN, RN) charge / staff nurse on Medical Surgical / COVID unit. My current job here is House Supervisor and I must say that I still enjoy getting up coming to work each day, it’s certainly my ministry, I’m so grateful for the calling from God!!!

What are some of your interests outside of work? What is your favorite local gem?

My interests outside of work is family / friend’s time. I love spending time with my family and friends, especially my grandbabies, as well as spending time with myself. If you want to brighten my day, ask me about my grandbabies, the loves of my life. I enjoy fine dining, I enjoy going to church, I enjoy traveling, I love planting flowers, I love dancing but my most love is laughing, if you can make me laugh, you truly have a friend for life.

My favorite local gem outside of work is reaching back and pulling the next person up, I love teaching the LPN / CNA students at Medical Solutions Academy. I get much enjoyment out of helping others, seeing people reach their goals and simply just seeing people happy.  

What do you enjoy most about working at Sovah Health?

I enjoy so many things about Sovah Health, I love that there’s room to grow at Sovah Health, going from housekeeping to house supervisor speaks for itself. I love the diversity here, the culture and the fact that everyone is so helpful. I enjoy the friendly atmosphere and personal relationships that have been formed throughout the hospital, the staff and leadership are very supportive here. Serving the community is the most important part of being here, people are my passion and purpose. I love working at Sovah because I’m able to work in the city where I grew up and help so many familiar faces.