Phelps Health Celebrates National Nurses Week

Phelps Health nurses provide exceptional healthcare in multiple specialty areas to patients of all ages. Join Phelps Health during National Nurses Week, May 6-12, as we recognize our nurses for the high-quality, dedicated care they provide. Phelps Health nurses consistently deliver outstanding, personalized and patient-centered care to patients throughout our health organization. Below are four Phelps Health nurses who exemplify our organizational values of Integrity, Compassion, Innovation and Philanthropy. Read more about these nurses below:

Name: Cindy Butler

Job Title: Administrative Director of Patient Care Services

Department: Nursing Services

Education: Cindy has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

How long have you been a nurse? 28 years

Why did you decide to become a nurse? I cannot really remember when I decided to be a nurse. Nursing was almost like a seed that had been planted in me at birth. Nursing was a path I chose that was never questioned and was well known to all around me as early as 10 years old. I had a great-great-aunt, who I spent a lot of time with growing up, who always wanted to be a nurse but never took the opportunity to do so. She was a driving force behind my education and career path. She passed away in 1991 just hours after I received my nursing degree.

What do you like most about nursing? The ability to make differences in people’s lives.

What does PHILANTHROPY mean to you? Philanthropy, to me, is the act of “giving” in order to improve a person, place or thing. This can include giving time to someone longing for a general conversation or volunteering for a project to ensure its success. Philanthropy also can be donating something as small as a can of food or money, or even giving your talents by serving on a committee dedicated to a making a difference. Philanthropy is not about “what” you are giving but is more focused on the act of giving.

What advice would you give to those considering a nursing career? Nursing is not easy, by no stretch of the imagination, but nursing is rewarding and diverse. By choosing a nursing career, you are almost guaranteed a decent wage, excitement, opportunity and a full heart.

Name: Dawn Doranski

Job Title: Clinic Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Department: Waynesville Medical Plaza - Internal Medicine and Pediatrics

Education: Dawn has a Practical Nursing Diploma and is finishing her Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) in May 2019

How long have you been a nurse? 16 years

Why did you decide to become a nurse? I always knew that I wanted to do something in healthcare. I started as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) right out of high school. While working as a CNA, I realized that I wanted to do more, so I went to LPN school. After several years, I decided to continue my education to become a registered nurse (RN).

What do you like most about nursing? I like the variety of things you can do as a nurse. We all bring something a little different to the table that helps us to holistically care for people. Nursing is ever changing.

What does INNOVATION mean to you? To me, innovation means always improving. We need to be committed to creating positive changes, expanding our education, finding new solutions and creating more efficient ways to do what we do.

What advice would you give to those considering a nursing career? Go for it. Although nursing sometimes has its challenges, it is totally worth it. You can do so many things as a nurse. Nursing is the number one trusted profession in the United States. Who would not want to be a part of that?

Name: Gretchen Naylor

Job Title: Registered Nurse (RN)

Department: Transitional Care Facility

Education: Gretchen has an Associate Degree in Nursing Sciences.

How long have you been a nurse? 19 years

Why did you decide to become a nurse? I came from a large family who, as they have aged, have had many health problems. I have always felt drawn to the nursing industry. I have worked my way up from a certified nursing assistant (CAN) to a RN over the years. My parents encouraged me to become a nurse because, as they have said, I have a big heart and care for people with every inch of it.

What do you like most about nursing? Nursing is an ever-evolving career, not one skill or one job. You always continue to learn and grow as a human being and nurse. When I come to work, I am not only a nurse. I accept the challenge to be a nurse, caregiver, friend, pastor, etc. As nurses, it is important to realize we are everything to our patients at some of the worst times in their lives. We are there for them and their families to provide what they need. I love to learn, and in this field, you are always learning and evolving.

What does COMPASSION mean to you? Compassion means being there to provide for your patient and whatever he or she needs. Nursing is not just a job where you come in, get your job done and then go home. Nursing is sitting with someone, holding his or her hand because he or she is scared of a procedure or a diagnosis. Nursing is providing for your patients and putting your all into them at some of their worst times. You take on many roles, or hats, in our career.

What advice would you give to those considering a nursing career? Nursing is a lifetime decision to put others above yourself and help them through the good and bad. You should always jump at a chance to learn something new as you will never know when you may need that skill.

Name: Megan R. Stewart

Job Title: RN Weekend Day Shift Manager

Department: Acute Medical Services/Telemetry

Education: Megan has an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and is studying to become a Progressive Care Certified Nurse (PCCN).

How long have you been a nurse? She has been a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) since 2007 and a Registered Nurse (RN) since 2017.

Why did you decide to become a nurse? I became a nurse for a couple of reasons. My mom was a nurse, and I wanted to be like her. I also helped take care of my grandma after her stroke and just knew that nursing was my passion.

What do you like most about nursing? I love that I get to come to work every day and help someone in some way, whether that be a coworker, patient or patient's family.

What does INTEGRITY mean to you? To me, integrity means to be honest at all times and to do the right thing even when no one is looking.

What advice would you give to those considering a nursing career? If you are thinking about nursing, do it. Nursing is the most rewarding profession. There are so many different aspects of nursing that there is a spot for everyone. Even if you do not want to be a bedside nurse, the possibilities are endless.