This week is Nurses Appreciation week, and we wanted to kick things off with Babes of JC- Nurses edition. We are so thankful to these incredible people for all that they do. Our frontline workers are our true heroes!

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Beatrice Fontano – @bf0ntan0

Bea Fontano and her family immigrated to Jersey City from the Philippines in 1998. The housing provided by her father’s company wouldn’t allow their entire family to live there, so once they were given the opportunity, Bea and her family moved to Delaware. There, she was bullied a lot for being Asian, but used that as motivation to find her passion for sports and the outdoors. She studied at Seton Hall University where she juggled nursing school and worked full time. Today, she lives in Jersey City along with her two kittens and plants.

What do you currently do for a living?

I am currently a full time registered nurse. I work for a post-icu/medical-surgical/telemetry floor – which is just a fancy way of saying we take pretty much every kind of patient. Being an essential worker, especially after only being in this career for a year, has truly opened up my eyes. Before this pandemic, work was already stressful. My coworkers and I were maxing out at 8 patients each. To put this into perspective, in other states it is ILLEGAL to have more than 4 patients. Once the virus took over our entire hospital, we continued to have a strenuous workload. Our supervisors stopped visiting the floors to check on us. Administration stayed home and ran the hospital via zoom meetings. Some doctors even saw patients only via Facetime. Meanwhile, us nurses, security officers, dietary workers, and environmental services staff, were and still are forced to adapt to staffing and supply shortages. We were treated so indispensably. My heart goes out to my 12 colleagues that sadly passed due to Covid-19. Despite everything, this experience has inspired me to be a better nurse and a better person. At the end of the day, we are all going to learn from this and we are going to fix the problems highlighted by this pandemic.

First thing you’re going to do when this pandemic is over?

Visit my family! I have not seen them since the end of December. This pandemic is lowkey the moment they’ve been waiting for their entire lives. My mom prides herself in being a “prepper” and she’s saved my ass by mailing me Lysol, wipes, and masks. I can’t wait to spend time with them and show how much I appreciate them.

How do you unwind/recharge when you’re not working?

When I am not working I love to sit at home and enjoy the company of my plants, cats, and boyfriend. Working nights makes my sleep schedule basically non existent so every chance I have to relax, I grab! Besides taking care of my paws and plants, I love to try new restaurants. It’s my goal to try every flauta in Jersey City.

What is your favorite place to hang out or eat in Jersey City?

As a former Ani Ramen employee, I am biased, but nothing compares to sitting there enjoying good drinks, good company, and good vibes. I probably go there at least once a week to grab a few drinks and catch up with my old coworkers! However, Tacoria and Mezcal are close seconds! Besides those restaurants, I love walking through the Heights at night – it is so quiet especially if you know some hidden spots!

How does it feel to be nominated as a JC babe?

I’m so shocked to be nominated! Although I was not born in Jersey City, have so much love for this place. Throughout college I worked here and really grew attached to this area. Being connected to this place makes me so happy.

What are 3 random facts about yourself?

1. I work part time as a dog walker

2. I used to play varsity basketball in high school and I still continue to play for Filipino leagues when I can

3. I want to start my own clothing business

What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done or wanted to do?

I got lost the first time I went to Canada. I didn’t do it on purpose but it was a crazy experience that brought my best friends and I even closer. Somehow I lost my phone, wallet, ID, but not my passport or sanity. It’s a story I’m never going to forget

What do you love most about Jersey City?

People here are confident and passionate about everything, especially this city! If someone lives or is from Jersey City, they let you know it because it is something they’re proud of! Jersey City attracts people from all over the state cause of its proximity to Manhattan, but I feel like once people have a taste of jersey city they realize this is the true gem, the place that’s worth exploring!

Anything else you would like to add?

Although I am not a Jersey City native, I have so much love for this city that has changed so much. Nothing compares to the nightlife or the vibes here. When I was younger, although my family lived in Delaware, we would drive to Jersey City just to shop at Asian grocery stores and to eat at Jollibee. I always envisioned myself living here and I’m so glad I made my dream come true.

Any of your colleagues you would like to nominate?

@melaniepingol

Albina Ketoeva – @binaketo

Albina (Bina) Ketoeva has been working as a Registered Nurse at JCMC for almost 2 years. She also works at True Bliss Medical Aesthetics as aesthetic nurse. Originally from Clark, NJ, she moved to Jersey City 5 years ago.

What do you currently do for a living?

I work as a charge/unit nurse on the Post Intensive Care Unit, which became the first COVID unit. I have not seen much in my 2 years of nursing, but I’ve never seen so much fear in my patients and my colleagues eyes. The biggest fear amongst all of us is bringing this virus home to our loved ones or neighbors. My team means the world to me and I will continue doing my best to ease their day and help as much as I can. Things are starting to slow down and numbers are decreasing. We are sending more people home, which makes me so happy! However, people are still coming in, people are still dying and I only hope that people continue to take safe precautions. As for me, the biggest struggle is feeling comfortable being around people, outside of work. Luckily, I remain healthy and symptoms free, but I get anxious when people are around me because I’m afraid that I’ll somehow get them sick. Going to the store for necessities is probably the worst thing for me.

First thing you’re going to do when this pandemic is over?

Hug my mom and pregnant sister.

How do you unwind/recharge when you’re not working?

Law&Order or 90 Day Fiancé, Sauvignon Blanc, and cuddle with my furrchild, Dexter.

What is your favorite place to hang out or eat in Jersey City?

Honshu Sushi to eat, best sushi ever! South House always has good vibes and music.

How does it feel to be nominated as a JC babe?

Quite flattering, thank you!

What are 3 random facts about yourself?

I’m from Ossetia, a small republic above Georgia. I’m obsessed with Law&Order. I had the worst mullet growing up, but it worked well with my very tomboy ways. Haha!

What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done or wanted to do?

Decided to go back to school for a career change at age 29. Best decision I’ve made.

What do you love most about Jersey City?

The cultural diversity and I hope it stays this way.

Anything else you would like to add?

PLEASE STOP THROWING GLOVES, MASKS, AND GARBAGE OUTSIDE! You’re contaminating our beautiful city.

Any of your colleagues you would like to nominate?

ER nurse, Makeda. @heyyy_keda

Daniela Censale – @Signorina_Daniela

Daniela Censale grew up in Fort Lee NJ. She has had stints in Hoboken and New Orleans before finally making JC her home. She’s worn many hats, from bartender, server, realtor, medical assistant and fashion account manager before finally achieving her goal of becoming an ER Nurse. Graduating just last August at 42 she began her career October 2019 in time for a pandemic. She currently resides in The Heights with her Frenchie Louis.

What do you currently do for a living?

I am an ER nurse with Hackensack Meridian Health at Palisades Medical Center in North Bergen NJ. Never did I imagine my first RN position working in the frontlines of such a crisis. I have seen more death in one month than most nurses see in a lifetime. I have been terrified, heartbroken but so honored to be able to help during this time.

First thing you’re going to do when this pandemic is over?

The first thing I will do when this is over is hug my parents. I haven’t been able to see them since this has began for fear of possibly getting them sick.

How do you unwind/recharge when you’re not working?

When I’m not at work I have been trying to stay upbeat by working out with the SWEAT app. Organizing my life/apartment and help others that may not be able to get out for essential items.

What is your favorite place to hang out or eat in Jersey City?

Gosh there are so many. I live in The Heights so locally I’m a huge fan of The Corkscrew for their awesome burgers, amazing staff and music. Being down the street from me is a plus! Downtown, The Hamilton Inn is a fave!

How does it feel to be nominated as a JC babe?

It was surprising! I haven’t felt very babe like lately.

What are 3 random facts about yourself?

I love naps, I speak 3 languages and just got a violin, determined to teach myself to play.

What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done or wanted to do?

Become a nurse at 42? To me, that was crazy because it was a dream come true. The day I graduated I had to keep pinching myself.

What do you love most about Jersey City?

I love that it’s not Hoboken

Kathryn Grana – @Kaaatie_g

Kathryn Grana is a trauma nurse practitioner at a Level One trauma center and a resident of Hoboken for over 8 years. Before becoming a nurse practitioner, she was a trauma and ER nurse. She spends her days off cooking or trying new restaurants, catching up with family and friends, attending Philadelphia Eagles games with her mom and Seton Hall basketball games with friends.

What do you currently do for a living?

I work as a nurse practitioner alongside trauma surgeons and surgical residents. Normally, I help take care of patients who have experienced a trauma, whether it be a fall, gunshot wound, motorcycle collision, car accident, stabbing, assault, the list goes on. I am involved in all phases of their care. I respond to the ER when they first come in, assist in the OR on occasion, take care of them in the ICU as well as in the stepdown and surgical units, and follow up with them in the clinic after discharge. It is truly amazing and rewarding to see people upright, smiling, and getting back to normal after they’ve been discharged from the hospital.

Currently, during the pandemic, I am helping take care of COVID patients in an ICU setting. To accommodate the overwhelming amount of COVID patients requiring ICU care, our hospital has designated multiple ICUs to COVID patients as well as turned other floors into ICUs that normally house less critical patients. This week, I am working in a unit that is normally one big room with patients separated by curtains. Their rooms are now separated by thick plastic that has been hung up to help isolate them and minimize our exposure. There are baby monitors in the rooms so that we can see the patients. We spend the entire day that we are in the ICU wearing 2 masks: the 1 N95 we are issued in the morning, with a regular surgical mask over it that we change after going into a patient’s room. I cover my hair with a scrub cap and eyes with a face shield. We call their family members daily to update them. I have also been helping prone patients throughout the hospital.

I also work per diem at Jersey City Medical Center in the ED observation unit. The first time I took care of COVID patients was here. I walked into a list of almost 15 patients that I was responsible for, most of which required oxygen. It felt surreal to see people requiring such high levels of oxygen at the time.

Caring for COVID patients who are so sick sometimes feels like we are going in circles. They seem to make one small improvement and then take a few steps back the next day. It is frustrating to feel helpless. Wearing a mask all day wears you out. I leave my coffee and water in my office and go back maybe twice throughout the day to grab a quick sip of water.

First thing you’re going to do when this pandemic is over?

The first thing I’m doing is getting my hair done by Gianna at La Koet Deux. I am a blonde in need of a touch up! Then I will go see my family in South Jersey.

How do you unwind/recharge when you’re not working?

Since March, collapsing on the couch, making spicy margaritas, facetiming with friends and family, and taking Project Sculpt zoom classes have all helped.

Pre-covid, I enjoyed running by the water, going to hot yoga and Project Sculpt classes.

What is your favorite place to hang out or eat in Jersey City?

Hmm. This is a tough question. I was loving Gringo’s just before we began self isolating but I can’t wait to get back to Taqueria for tacos and The Archer and South House for drinks.

How does it feel to be nominated as a JC babe?

I’m flattered and surprised lol. I love that Chicpea is featuring frontline workers this month!

What are 3 random facts about yourself?

1. I am extremely indecisive, which is why I can’t pick just one favorite restaurant/bar lol

2. I don’t travel as often as I should

3. I only really like a handful of movies: One Fine Day, Sex and the City, Sweet Home Alabama, and You’ve Got Mail

What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done or wanted to do?

I’ve always wanted to move to Italy, travel the country, and work as a server at a restaurant.

What do you love most about Jersey City?

I love how laid back the atmosphere is.

Anything else you would like to add?

Thank you for supporting the staff at Jersey City Medical Center throughout this pandemic – they deserve it and so need it

Any of your colleagues you would like to nominate?

@Ria_angelei. She is a bad ass night shift ER nurse and mom.