When caring for others runs in the family: Meet the multi-generational caregivers of HCA Florida Osceola Hospital

While every workplace aspires to tout a “family-like atmosphere,” the phrase takes on a literal meaning at HCA Florida Osceola Hospital, where husband-and-wife, mother-and-son, and father-and-son duos work under the same roof in the spirit of caring for others. 

For Imelda Velayo, working with family members was the farthest thing from her mind when she began her nursing career as a first-year registered nurse at the hospital back in 1988. “Coming from the Philippines, I was just happy to be in Florida and work with a great team,” Imelda recalled. 

Years later, she met her future husband Reuel, then a licensed practical nurse in Canada, at a family wedding. They later married and once he earned his RN degree, she knew exactly where he should apply. 

“I really wanted him to work here at Osceola,” said Imelda, who today serves as nurse manager for two of the hospital’s units. “Not only would it be great to work in the same place as my husband, I also knew he would be happy here.”

Reuel joined HCA Florida Osceola Hospital 14 years ago as an RN in the hospital’s stroke unit, where he remains a key member of the team. 

“While we don’t work on the same floor, it’s good to see Imelda in the hallways,” said Reuel. “It’s a chance to say hello and chat for a moment.” 

As for their son Reginald, Imelda is quick to point out that neither she or Reuel pushed him to enter healthcare.  

“Then one day he said, ‘Mom, I want to work at your hospital,’” Imelda said. 

Reginald is currently an LPN in the hospital’s emergency department while he is enrolled in its accelerated RN program.

“Reginald comes to see me and say hi, and that really makes me feel good,” Imelda says. “I’m very proud of him.” 

When team members appreciate their work environment so much that they encourage relatives to work there too, that underscores the importance of workplace culture, say hospital leaders. 

“It is incredibly exciting that the complexity of our hospital is such that we can offer fulfillment to so many different healthcare professionals, and it is even more exciting when those different professionals end up being from the same family!” said David Shimp, chief executive officer at HCA Florida Osceola Hospital. “The Velayos, along with other families who have relatives working here, are wonderful examples of how we can support and inspire one another. And here at Osceola, it is these families caring for families across our community that exemplify the spirit of dedication and compassion that define our hospital.”

For more information about HCA Florida Healthcare, visit hcafloridahealthcare.com