10 Questions with Alexis Deane, RN
The ambulatory clinical trainer and Cape Cod native shares how a childhood dream led to a career in nursing, education and helping others build confidence in their roles.
As a young girl on Cape Cod, Alexis Deane, RN, already knew she wanted a career caring for others. In fifth grade, Deane created a poster for school about the things she liked and what she hoped to become someday. Her dream? A career in healthcare, illustrated with a drawing of herself alongside a stethoscope. She still has the poster today.
“It’s pretty cool to see that I followed through with pursuing my childhood dream,” said Deane, an ambulatory clinical trainer at Cape Cod Healthcare. “Nursing and caring for others have always been a true passion of mine, and I feel incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to make that passion my career.”
Born and raised in West Barnstable, Deane pursued her nursing education in steps, first becoming an LPN, then an RN and later earning her bachelor’s degree. She credits her mother with encouraging her to stay the course when she considered giving up.
A fifth-grade poster offers a glimpse of her dreams.
Deane joined Cape Cod Healthcare five years ago, beginning on South 2 at Cape Cod Hospital in June 2021, when it was serving as a COVID unit during the height of the pandemic (“shout-out to my South 2 family!”). She later spent a year as a float nurse for Medical Affiliates of Cape Cod (MACC), working with different practices across the organization.
For the past two and a half years, Deane has been part of the ambulatory clinical training team, helping orient and educate nurses, certified medical assistants, physicians and advanced practice providers. At 25 Communications Way in Hyannis, she provides classroom-based orientation and Epic training for new team members, while also offering “at-the-elbow” support within practices.
“Overall, our role is about much more than training,” said Deane. “We are a consistent resource for our clinical teams, helping staff build their knowledge, skills, confidence, and ultimately provide safe, high-quality patient care.”
Deane also visits practices to check in with staff, identify educational needs and reinforce clinical skills and best practices. The team provides quarterly competency training and monthly workflow workshops on topics such as vital signs, injections, EKGs, patient safety, infection prevention, documentation and scope of practice. They also host an annual Clinical Summit, which gives staff an opportunity to learn, collaborate and share best practices.
“One of the most rewarding moments is when a new employee reaches the point where they no longer need as much guidance and you can see them becoming confident and independent in their role,” she said.
Deane lives in Yarmouth with her husband, Shawn, a firefighter/paramedic; their 2-year-old son, Emmett; and their yellow lab, Luna. “We love calling the Cape home and are very happy to be raising our family here,” she said.
We recently caught up with Deane to learn more about what motivates her, the lessons she’s learned along the way and her perfect Cape Cod day.
With husband, Shawn, and son, Emmett
1. What was your very first job, and is there a lesson from it you still carry with you?
My first job was at Mary Lou’s Coffee in Hyannis when I was in high school. One of the biggest lessons I learned was how to talk to people. Communication is something we work on with our newer CMAs and nurses, too — how to talk with patients and feel comfortable having those conversations.
2. If you weren’t a nurse or educator, what career do you think you’d have pursued?
I love to cook, so I think I would love to be a private chef for a small family. I love cooking for my own family. I have a weekly planner and plan our meals for the week, which helps keep me organized. Some of my favorites are a whole chicken dinner, Italian food like chicken parm, or something easy on the grill, like steak.
3. Best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Always take things one day at a time. Sometimes life can feel overwhelming, especially when you think too much about the long term or the big picture. Taking things one day at a time helps make everything feel a little more manageable.
4. What motivates you on the busiest or most challenging days?
My son, Emmett. He reminds me every day to slow down and cherish the little things in life. Being a mom has made me want to be the best version of myself, personally and professionally. I want him to see the importance of working hard, caring for others and being proud of what you do. Being a working mom is not easy, but coming home to him at the end of the day is the best reminder of why I do it all.
5. Go-to coffee order on the Cape (and favorite place to get it)?
Either the pistachio latte from Nirvana or the Lucky Strike latte from Kinlor Coffee Roasters in Yarmouth. I first discovered Kinlor at the Yarmouth Farmers Market, and then they opened their spot in Yarmouth this year. They make all of their own syrups, and the Lucky Strike is similar to a dirty iced chai. It’s amazing!
Yellow Lab Luna loves family beach days.
6. Morning person or night owl?
Morning person, for sure. I am in bed by 8 every night! There’s something nice about waking up with the sun and a hot cup of coffee. I love slow mornings.
7. Three words your teammates would use to describe you?
Resilient, dedicated and selfless.
8. What’s one small thing that always makes your day better?
I love seeing people smile. It just makes me happy. I always try to smile and be happy, too. I was at a clinic recently and someone said to me, “You’re just always so happy.” I try! Life’s too short, and even when things aren’t going well, I think it helps to try to stay positive.
9. One thing on your bucket list?
I’d love to get to the Italian coast, especially the Amalfi Coast.
10. Perfect day off on Cape Cod — how would you spend it?
Packing up our boat, grabbing sandwiches and spending the day on the water with family and friends, and our dog, Luna. We normally go out of Bass River in Yarmouth and spend time at Boaters Beach. That’s a perfect Cape Cod day for me.
