FAMILY BACKGROUND:
Kathleen Ann McManus was born on December 11, 1950 at Physician's Hospital in Jackson Heights. Her parents, Dorothy and James (deceased), were life-long residents of Maspeth and devoted parishioners of St. Adalbert's Roman Catholic Church, where Kathleen was Baptized shortly after birth. Kathy, as her family and friends call her, grew up in a close knit family with four siblings. She speaks lovingly of her sisters Dotsy, a Practical Nurse in Pediatrics at Wyckoff Heights hospital, and Maureen, who is home with Mom. Her brother Jimmy is employed by the Mets at Shea Stadium, while Kevin is a retired police officer. Her personal pride and joy is her son Christopher, now a New York City Probationary Fireman, assigned to Ladder Company 136, known as the Elmhurst Eagles, on Grand Avenue.
EDUCATIONAL AND CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
Kathy spent her grade school years at St. Adalbert's on Grand Avenue, even then dreaming of becoming a nurse. She graduated from St. Agnes High School in College Point, and shortly thereafter enrolled in Flushing Hospital School of Nursing. She earned her nursing diploma in 1971, passed State Board examinations, and became a Registered Nurse. She sought employment at Elmhurst General Hospital, and was assigned as a staff nurse in the Emergency Room. In 1984, she was promoted to Head Nurse of the Emergency Room, and in 1994 became the Trauma Coordinator of the ER. As Trauma Coordinator, Nurse Paolicelli, “evaluates incoming trauma patients, coordinates care with directors of various services, follows each trauma patient through the ER, and acts as liaison between the family, doctors, and other hospital personnel.” She feels that communication with patients and families, in a crisis situation, is a very important part of her role. She also participates in the training of combat medics for the Army, Navy, and Airforce, and received numerous Certificates of Appreciation for her efforts. In 1995, Kathy received an Award for Excellence of Service from the Police Department. In 1996, she was presented by the Mayor with The Sloan Public Service Award, honoring an outstanding Civil Servant.
PROFESSIONAL AND
COMMUNITY AFFILIATIONS:
Kathy, who has been a resident of Middle Village since 1973, enjoys involvement with community-related activities. She is an Executive Board Member of The Juniper Park Civic Association and is a regular contributor, on health and safety matters, to the Juniper Park Berry. She is also a member of COP104, which concerns itself with police and safety issues in our community. As a trauma nursing specialist, she is frequently called upon to teach classes on safety at local school and senior centers. She holds professional membership in the American Nurses Association, The New York State Nurses Association, The Society for Advanced Trauma Nursing, and The American Trauma Society. A major project she is spearheading with The American Trauma Society is “Stop Red Light Running,” a concern dear to hearts of Middle Village residents.
GOALS AND SPECIAL INTERESTS:
Her immediate goal is to complete the remaining twelve credits towards a bachelors degree in Health Care Administration from The California College of Health Care, a distance learning institution. She would also like to become a Clinical Instructor, teaching trauma courses for nurses and other health care workers. She wants to continue to share her expertise and “give back” to her community, her family, and her hospital, Elmhurst General, in which she has worked continuously all her adult life. She expressed deep appreciation for the support of a great family, wonderful friends, and dedicated co-workers.
