Celebrating National Nurses Week
From your prenatal checkups to your first broken arm to your yearly physicals, a nurse has impacted your life in one way or another. That’s why May 6th-12th is National Nurses Week– so we can celebrate these incredible people!
Nursing is by no means easy. It requires a lot of patience, hard work, and determination. It asks you to set aside squeamishness and commit wholeheartedly to caring for people in their worst moments. It’s a challenge only a certain kind of person can take on.
On this National Nurses Week, we want to extend all our thanks and love to every nurse in our practice. We see their hard work daily, as we watch our patients live happier, healthier lives because of their dedication. We see them give allergy shots to nervous children who leave our office happy and relaxed. We see them prepare visits for patients, support our providers in educating patients, and work together to provide the best care. We see them change the world time and time again.
To celebrate National Nurses Week, we interviewed some of our nurses and asked them to share their stories with us.
Janet B.
Somerset, KY
What made you want to become a nurse? I wanted to become a nurse to help others. At the time I was thinking about being a nurse, my mother was paralyzed from her neck and beyond. I had little understanding of her condition at that time and so I wanted to learn more. My mother was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome, which she later died from.
What is the most rewarding part of nursing? The most rewarding thing about nursing is again helping people. When a patient says their quality of life is improved and they are so appreciative of the service given, it makes a world of difference. Just to think I might make an impact to a patient for a better way of life is so humbling.
What advice would you give to a future nurse? My advice to a future nurse to hang in there. The journey to be a nurse might have some hills to climb, but just persevere! It will be so worth it in the end!
Taylor B.
Louisville, KY – Shively
What made you become a nurse? I became a nurse because my mom was a nurse, and I have always loved helping and comforting others.
What is the most rewarding part of nursing? The most rewarding thing to me is bringing others happiness in their times of need, and being able to get to know your patients.
What advice would you give to a future nurse? My advice for future nurses would be to keep going, don’t give up, it’s hard but SO worth it.
Deborah C.
Campbellsville, KY
What made you want to be a nurse? Several years ago I was given the opportunity to obtain my certified medical assistant license and so I decided to take advantage of the opportunity since I was looking for a career change. I was pleased with the change so after completion of the CMA program I decided to further my education and obtain my RN where I can be more proactive and involved in the care of others.
What is the most rewarding thing about nursing? To me the most rewarding thing about being a nurse is knowing that I have performed my job to the best of my ability and have provided each patient the best care possible and maintained a positive attitude and experience. Working in the medical field has been both rewarding and a blessing and I only regret not becoming a nurse sooner.
What advice would you give to a future nurse? There will be bad days and negative patient encounters that will frustrate and discourage you. Keep in mind that they may be dealing with something negative in their life that you aren’t aware of and don’t let that affect how you care for them. Provide each patient with a positive and supportive experience and know that you may have helped them have a better day or feel better even for a moment. We never know who we will encounter or what we will be tasked with, just be yourself and enjoy what you do and the gratitude and appreciation will present itself.
Tamela J.
Leitchfield, KY
What made you want to become a nurse? I have always wanted to take care of people, whether sick or well, and that is why I became a nurse.
What is the most rewarding part of nursing? The most rewarding thing for me as a nurse is helping people to achieve/improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
What advice would you give a future nurse? I would encourage future nurses to explore the different specialties nursing offers to discover what works for them.
Erica K.
New Albany/Corydon, IN
What made you want to be a nurse? I have always loved helping people and being there to support patients in time of need.
What is the most rewarding part of nursing? Getting to know patients as well as being able to help them.
What advice would you give to a future nurse? Being a nurse can be hard at times, but it is so rewarding. Keep your heart in your work and don’t let the tough days keep you from having passion to help people!
Mallory K.
Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati
What made you become a nurse? I knew I wanted to be a nurse when I was 12 years old. I had the privilege of staying in the hospital after my mom delivered my brother and I was able to witness firsthand the impact of an amazing nursing team.
What is the most rewarding part of nursing? have taken care of patients during their highest and lowest moments in life. Knowing that you can make a difference for someone else is the most rewarding thing about nursing!
What advice would you give to a future nurse? Nursing is flexible and can move with you as you grow into your skill set and for what you can offer of yourself to others in your current stage of life. I started in Labor & Delivery and even though it was my passion I learned that it didn’t work for my family, so I decided to try something new and came to FAA. I quickly realized that working in a specialty where I can educate and empower patients and focus on preventative health was perfect for me; and this year, I will be celebrating my 12th anniversary with FAA!
Crystal M.
Warrensburg, MO
What made you want to become a nurse? I am not sure what made me want to be a nurse, I just know I wanted to be one for as long as I could remember.
What is the most rewarding part of nursing? I love taking the time to get to know each of my patients, but working with the kids is the most rewarding part.
What advice would you give to a future nurse? Make sure you are happy and enjoy the job you have, if not move on to one you will love, life is too short!
Susan S.
Cincinnati Area
What made you want to become a nurse? My mother was/is a nurse and I have wanted to be a nurse for as long as I can remember, to me there was just nothing else that made sense as I was meant to help people.
What is the most rewarding thing about nursing? Seeing others get better and being able to comfort others in their time of need, knowing that I am a part of that.
What advice would you give to a future nurse? Always remember why you became a nurse and help each other out!
Angela S.
Leitchfield, KY
What made you want to become a nurse? I come from a long line of nurses and always wanted to be a nurse. I love to help people.
What is the most rewarding part of nursing? The most rewarding part of being a nurse is teaching and being a part of the team. It means so much to me to be part of a great team here at FAA and the patients have lots of questions, so to be able to answer them and help the patient is the most rewarding part of my job.
What advice would you give to a future nurse? I want to tell the future nurses of America to embrace the whole part of being a nurse. Every facet of our lives as a nurse will be touched by someone. Learn all you can and give your all ALL of the time!