May 6-12 is National Nurses Week. I'm lucky. I work in a profession that calls to its participants. On good days, bad days and all the in between days, at the end of these days, the people I am surrounded with never regret their choice to have become a Nurse. In honor of this, I would like to introduce you to the top 10 Nurses that have had a huge impact on my life and my Nursing career. They are only a small portion of the nurses who have influenced and inspired me in my career. These are in no specific order as each and every one of them has helped to mold me into the Nurse I am today.
#1. Ann Smith, LVN- Ann was the first nurse to ever make an impact on my life. She was the nurse for Dr. Kemper when I was growing up. She kept him organized and on track. She was the person that alleviated my fear of going to see the Doctor. She was the buffer, the stabilizer, the educator and in my eyes, she was Super Woman. I wanted to be HER when I grew up. Looking back, I guess that’s exactly what I did, although I will always only strive to be the nurse that she was!
#2. Mary Anderson, LVN- Mary is the nurse that I will always look up to. Her faith in God has been one of the biggest influences in my life. Mary is the picture of Serenity. She obviously loves what she does. Even though she is retired, she still works at the hospital. When you are called into a profession, retirement won’t stop you from doing what you love!
#3. Angela Bailey, RN- Angela and I went to Nursing School together and later became Best Friends. Angela taught me the importance of having that one person that you can discuss anything with. She helps me to see all angles, to decompress, to rant, to cry, to curse when I need to and to celebrate when I get a chance. No matter the time of day or night, when I need her, she is there.
#4. Lynn Heard Poe, LVN- Lynn taught me that you are never too old to chase your dreams. Lynn and I went to nursing school together. She was 52 and was one of the best students in our class. She was my piece of mind when I would stress about school, being a mom and wife and trying to juggle all that was going on in my life at that time. I couldn’t have done it without her.
#5. Tanna Kaye Gilbreath, LVN- Tanna is the nurse you want in any emergency. She is cool, calm and collected. You will never see her sweat. She is the most level-headed nurse I’ve ever met. She is also a great teacher and is always willing to help you out when you need guidance or direction. She has taught me many things over the years and I will forever be grateful for all of her shared wisdom.
#6. Sandra Ratliff, RN- Sandra absolutely loves being a nurse! She goes the extra mile in every sense of the word. She wants to provide the best care possible and will spend her own time researching, training and investigating in order to do just that. She is the best OB nurse hands down. I hope that I will someday have just a smidgeon of the knowledge this woman has!
#7. Steph Leathers, RN- As most of you know, Steph is my little Sister. She is my constant reminder that someone is ALWAYS watching you. Steph is 17 years younger than me and the day that she told me she was going to nursing school was one of my proudest moments. She has become a nurse for me to look up to!
#8. David Longley, RN, FNP-C- David Longley has taught me that there is no ceiling to your education. David started out as a LVN and has worked his way through every level of education to get to where he is today. He is smart and thorough and an excellent part of our CCMC and clinic team.
#9. Jenn Echols Adams, LVN, Chanda Rice, LVN and Jennifer Pelton Rambo, LVN- Yes, I realize this is more than one person but these three nurses make my life FUN on a daily basis. We have to rely on each other and cover for each other. They have become like sisters to me as we share everything from laughs to tears to food every day. We are a team and I am so grateful for each one of them.
#10. LaRae Cunningham, RN- LaRae has taught me that sometimes it can take a while to get to where you are going but it’s not the time it takes to get there, it’s what you learn along the journey. She is what I would consider a “Newbie Nurse” but I have no doubt that she has finally arrived at the place that she belongs.
- There isn't a person on earth that hasn't had their lives touched by a nurse in some way. I hope that you will take the opportunity to let that person know that they have made a difference!
