NEUROSURGICAL NURSING A Conversation with Alsion Burke

With over a decade in the medical field, Alsion Burke has dedicated her career to neurosurgical nursing, serving the Westchester County section of New York for the past five years. As part of the esteemed neurosurgical team at Westchester Medical Center, under the leadership of Dr. Chirag D. Gandhi, MD, FACS, FAANS, Alsion has worn many hats in her field.

In 2019, she was a staff nurse to Dr. Chad Cole, MD, who promoted her to lead nurse by the end of that year. When the pandemic hit in early 2020, Alsion stepped up as a nursing supervisor at the hospital and also worked at the county center in Westchester. Her adaptability and leadership were vital during those challenging times.

By 2021, Alsion had the privilege of working alongside Dr. Jin Li, MD, caring for patients with severe headaches, Parkinson’s disease, and neurological disorders. She continued to advance her career by serving as lead nurse to several prominent figures, including Dr. Jared Pisapia, M.D., MTR, Dr. Gurmeen Kaur, MD, and Dr. Merritt D. Kinon, MD, FAANS, FACS. In 2024, Alsion’s dedication was recognized with the Care Champion Award from Westchester Medical Center for her outstanding work and patient care.

Nursing has always been Alsion’s passion, bringing her immense joy to help patients during their most vulnerable moments. Her favorite quote by Maya Angelou encapsulates her approach: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Here is a glimpse into Alsion’s journey in nursing and her future plans.

When did you enter nursing?

I have been in the nursing field for over a decade, I have been practicing as a neurosurgical nurse for a little over 5 years.

Why did you enter nursing?

Nursing is a call; it is from your heart to help others. From I was a young child, I always enjoyed helping people, during my high school years I was in the health careers program at Dewitt Clinton High School for 4 years, during that time is when I realized I had the aptitude to become a nurse.

Who is your role model as a nurse?

I have a few remodels in nursing. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge them. Professor Morgan, He was my med surgical and pharmacology professor at Jersey College School of Nursing. His story inspired me, while in nursing school his mother was dying of cancer. He was a full-time nursing student; he would go home and care for his dying mother. Despite the challenges he was facing in life, Professor Morgan did not give up, he was resilient. He went on to graduate nursing school and be the Valedictorian of his graduating class. Second, I would like to acknowledge my paternal grandmother Dexter Lewallen . She always expressed to me her desire to be a nurse, but she was unable to do so, I promised my grandmother I would fulfill this dream one day, and with the help of God I was able to be her first grand daughter to become a nurse. I would also like to acknowledge my 2 dear friends Jordanne Angus, and Marsha Reid- Clayton, I began my journey as a nurse with these two women, both were from Jamaica and did not have much outside help. I watched them go to school daily for years missing out on secular activity in order to achieve their goals. Together we were all able to finish school. Today they are both Trauma nurses in the ER at a level I trauma hospital, Jordanne is also a nurse manager, and Marsha is a charge nurse, nurse lead, and an aspiring doctor.

What would you say is your greatest achievement thus far?

My greatest achievement so far has been becoming the lead nurse to some of the top neurosurgeons in the United States. Working alongside these physicians has challenged me to be a better nurse and has expanded my level of critical thinking.

Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?

In 5 to 10 years my dream is to broaden my specialty from neurosurgery to neurosurgery and oncology. I would like to be a part of research studies that help prevent neurological cancers in patients. I would also like for my 2 friends and I to manage a practice and focus on women’s health.

What do you do to take her mind off Nursing?

During my free time I enjoy traveling, participating in women’s empowerment events, church events, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Pastor Terry Lee warmly invites New Yorkers to join the White House Prayer for Our Nation during a special trip to Washington, D.C. Departing from New York City, attendees can embark on the journey for $75, choosing one of two convenient locations as their starting point.

• In Queens, the New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ Apostolic Inc. at 130-08 Springfield Boulevard, Springfield Gardens.

• In Brooklyn, travelers can join from The Byways & Hedges Youth for Christ Ministry at 323 East 53rd Street, located between Snyder Avenue and Church Avenue.

The trip begins early, with a 5:00 AM departure to ensure a timely arrival at the nation’s capital. Participants will have the opportunity to unite in a collective prayer for the nation within the hallowed halls of the White House. This meaningful journey promises a chance to connect with fellow believers while standing in solidarity for peace, hope, and unity. Pastor Terry Lee encourages everyone to seize this opportunity for spiritual growth and reflection, joining in a collective voice for our nation’s future.