"I was inspired to become a nurse because I’ve always had a passion for helping others, especially during their most vulnerable moments. When my father was hospitalized, I saw how compassionate and skilled the nurses were that cared for him and that made a lasting impression on me. Their ability to bring comfort, strength, and hope to both patients and families showed me the powerful impact nurses have. That experience made me realize that nursing isn’t just a profession it’s a calling to care, advocate, and make a difference in people’s lives every day.

One moment when I truly felt the power of nursing was while caring for a patient who had started their journey into recovery. They had just completed detox and was entering the early stages of recovery. Many on the care team were focused on medical stabilization, but I could see they were struggling emotionally. I took time to sit with them, listen without judgment, and reassure them that recovery was possible and that they weren’t alone. Over the next few days, they began to open up and engage more actively in their treatment. Later, they told me it was that one conversation that helped shift their mindset. It reminded me that nursing is about healing not just the body, but also the spirit. Being present, empathetic, and consistent can make a life-changing difference.

The most rewarding aspect of my job is seeing the impact of trust and compassion on a patient’s recovery, especially with those who feel unseen or judged, like individuals overcoming substance use disorders. When a patient begins to believe in themselves because you believed in them first, that’s powerful. Knowing that my presence, patience, and advocacy can help someone feel safe enough to heal is what makes all the challenges of nursing worth it."

"The ability to care for people in some of their darkest and toughest moments is a blessing. I've always felt called to help those in need, and show them as much love, care, and compassion as possible when they need it the most. Being ill on any level can leave anyone feeling lonely. I've always strived to help people feel less alone in the tough moments. Caring for the person as a whole is my passion.

I’ve worked in many aspects of nursing, but one experience that stands out was caring for a client that had many comorbidities, and all the odds stacked against him. Being able to support and honor his wishes to remain at home and provide the care he needed to be able to do so was a truly rewarding moment. It not only helped him, but also his family to remain together all the way to the end.

What’s most rewarding to me is having my patients/members trust that I will do everything in my power to help them reach their goals of health in mind, body, and spirit. When people fall ill, they can easily become uneasy about the future. Being able to, even if for brief moments or stretches of time, alleviate those fears and support them in their health journey is an amazing feeling."