By Kristy Fowler and Sara McCloskey

On any given day, Lydia Ingram, CNA, could perform an EKG, insert an IV or splint a broken arm. As a patient care technician in the emergency room of VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital, no day ever is the same. And that’s one of the many things Ingram enjoys — working with people and not being stuck at a desk. 

Ingram is always willing to lend a hand when others need support. Sometimes she is called to help translate for patients who are primarily Spanish speaking, not only in the emergency room, but in other areas of the hospital as well. 

“Lydia is such an asset,” said Sarah Carlton, clinical coordinator at the Garland Birthing Center. “She is always willing to come to labor and delivery and assist with translating if necessary. Having a face-to-face person who shows empathy and compassion is always more comforting to the patients when in stressful situations. Lydia always takes time to sit down with our patients and make sure all things are understood and there are no communication barriers. We are truly so thankful for her.”

Her family is from the American Territory of Puerto Rico, one of the islands located in the Caribbean. Her parents moved to New York City as teenagers, with Ingram being one of the first people in her family to be born stateside. 

Lydia Ingram’s parents, Robert Sanchez and Carmen Pacheco, are from the American Territory of Puerto Rico, one of the islands located in the Caribbean.

“My mother and grandmother taught me it was very important to be honest, responsible, kind and respectful, especially to my elders,” Ingram said. 

Ingram has visited Puerto Rico five times throughout her life, most recently in 2022 to bury her mother’s ashes with her grandmother’s. Raised Catholic in a home that loved fellowship around the table, the importance of family was instilled in her at a young age.

Growing up, Ingram also knew she wanted to dedicate her life to helping others. Ingram attended a work training program as a teenager that allowed her to go to high school for half of the day and then take courses to become a certified nursing assistant for the other half.

“I love what I have learned and accomplished through the years,” Ingram said.

After meeting her husband in New Jersey, Ingram decided to leave a metropolitan area to raise their family in Bracey, Virginia. Her husband, Thomas, has fond memories spending summer vacations with his extended family on a farm in the town. That love for a slower pace of life and the importance of quality family time is what they instill in their four boys: Alex, Isaac, Jordan and Christian.

When she moved to Virginia, Ingram first started working at The Hundley Center as a certified nursing assistant and stayed for 16 years. She loved working with older adults but wanted to expand her experience. Six years ago, she started working in the emergency room.

“Lydia is a wonderful ER team member,” said Tammy Mull, emergency room nurse manager. “She brings a smile to patients and team members when she enters the ER doors. Utilizing her experiences gained from previous work in long term care, she has a special relationship with our older patients. Lydia has mentored and precepted nurses and techs in learning the busy ER environment. We are fortunate to have Lydia as part of the ER family! We are so proud of our diverse team members who fulfill our mission of caring for all people.”

Sign Up for VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital’s E-Newsletter