A nurse practitioner, William Lombardi, DNP, provides neurocritical care to patients in the hospital. He treats patients recovering from strokes and traumatic brain injuries.

Meet a nurse who specializes in neurocritical care

We asked Lombardi our 7 quick questions to get to know him better.

1. What has most inspired and shaped your approach to patient care?

The people I worked with and the mentors I had. When I talk to patients, I often hear the words of a preceptor or educator I have had at some point. Being able to take those little pieces of practices that I admired and weave them into my practice has really helped shape how I approach healthcare today.

2. What is your favorite part of your job?

The people, whether it’s the patients who are able to have a big impact on their healthcare, or the colleagues I work with. It’s a stressful environment we work in, but being able to have fun together during this time and still do a great job is really important.

3. What is your greatest fear as a patient?

Thinking, “What’s the worst that can happen?” I think working in an intensive care environment, we see the worst. So it turns many of us into hypochondriacs. We ask ourselves, “Is this the moment I will hear that big, life-changing news?”

4. What do you do to relieve stress?

I love being outdoors. I love going to the mountains. We have so many great areas to explore in Virginia. I’m originally from the Midwest, which is a very flat region, so having the mountains nearby is really exciting. Plus, we have a good amount of land where we live, so there’s always a plan. There is always something to do to work with my hands and keep me busy and occupied.

5. Dogs or cats?

I like all animals, but I’m definitely a dog person. I have two dogs.

6. Last film you saw? Thumbs up or down?

The last Venom movie, which was awful.

7. Best advice you’ve ever heard?

Don’t take things too seriously. When I worked in retail at the Container Store, people were very stressed. Everyone was very intense. One of our regional directors came in and scolded us because we were so nervous about every little thing. He raised his hands and said, “Guys, we sell plastic boxes.” And that put everything into perspective very quickly for all of us.