Nurses across East Texas shared their thoughts on why they love the profession of nursing. (Contributed Photos)

From May 6-12, National Nurses Week celebrates the work of nurses. The American Nurses Association designated this year’s theme as “Nurses Make the Difference.”

There are more than 5 million registered nurses in the United States. For nurses around East Texas, nursing is a passion and calling. In submissions to the Tyler Morning Telegraph, local nurses shared their love of helping people, feeling pride in their work and how they feel they make a difference.

Kaylee Mims, UT Health Henderson labor and delivery nurse, knew as a small child she wanted to work in healthcare. Although her “heart belongs to labor and delivery” she loves that the profession allows nurses to work in a variety of areas.

“We are not necessarily confined to one setting and really the sky is the limit,” Mims said. “Nursing can be the most challenging and physically demanding job at times, but at the end of the day it is also the most rewarding when you can make a difference in someone’s life. I love the pride I feel when I am able to help others.”

As a labor and delivery nurse, she loves being able to bond with a family. She gets to help them during their happiest or possibly saddest moments.

“I love this door that God opened up for me and the opportunity to go out and make a difference each day,” Mims said.

Nurses in Carthage, Jacksonville and Tyler found their way to a nursing career because it is a calling.

“Nursing isn’t just a career; it’s a calling, a profound connection to humanity’s journey through pain and healing,” said Callie Jackson, RN, UT Health Jacksonville ER /House Supervisor.

UT Health Carthage Med/Surge Nurse Toni Barlow was inspired to become a nurse after going to the hospital with her son who was born with a congenital heart defect. He had his first heart surgery at a week old and his last heart surgery at 4 years old at Children’s Medical Center.

“During this time, I witnessed optimal care and compassion towards my son, myself and my husband,” Barlow said. “I remember the nurses being so compassionate, reassuring and knowledgeable. The staff always knew how to comfort me, especially when I was feeling nervous about what was happening. This inspired me to be a nurse and to provide care and comfort to the same standard.”

Petra Hawkins, Black Nurses Rock Tyler member and registered nurse, works in Med-Surg Step-down Intermediate Care, feels her heart is filled with “profound joy” since embracing on this career path.

“The opportunity to offer assistance and support to individuals during vulnerable moments is not just a job — it’s a calling,” Hawkins said. “Knowing that I can provide comfort and aid to those who require it brings a sense of purpose that enriches my life immeasurably. In a world where love and assistance are essential, being able to contribute in this capacity is not only fulfilling but also deeply rewarding.”

Shaston Lydia, Nurse Mentee Ambassador at Black Nurses Rock Tyler, found nursing to be her passion.

“I’m passionate about what I do because ensuring the happiness and well-being of others goes beyond just serving them — it’s about making meaningful connections and positively impacting lives. Being able to serve others brings me immense joy and fulfillment, and I’m committed to this path indefinitely because it’s not just a job, it’s my calling.

Lorna Abello, nurse at Bethesda Health Clinic, was not sure what to study in college. She prayed to God, “put me in the place He wants me to be.” From there things worked out as she realized nursing was the profession for her.

“This is a mission of helping the sick people in every way and with the privilege of being paid as well,” Abello said. “Nursing is a means of giving unconditional love and care to people regardless of age, status, race or religion!”

Tia Ivory, family nurse practitioner and Black Nurses Rock board member, started her own practice in Kilgore called Searcy Primary Care. She loves helping patients through her work.

“In being a nurse practitioner, you get to embody love, help, and care every day, making a profound impact on people’s lives,” Ivory said. “Those qualities are at the core of being a Family Nurse Practitioner. It’s a profession where you truly get to make a difference and change lives for the better.”

Nurses share a love for helping people. Many find the work fulfilling and in turn feel they gain as much, if not more, from helping patients.

“In the realm of nursing, every act of kindness is a ripple that echoes through eternity, shaping the course of healing and hope,” said Da’Marion Greenwood, RN, UT Health Jacksonville Clinical Nurse Educator.

Ashton Holocek, MBA, MSN, RN, SCRN (Stroke Certified Registered Nurse), Christus Trinity Mother Frances Quality Program Manager, walks patients through expectations during an appointment so they can make informed decisions.

“I love the opportunity that nursing gives to break down barriers for our patients and provide the quality care away from home they deserve,” Holocek said. “No one wants to be in the hospital, so I make it my goal each time to help them and care for them in the best way possible.”

Bethesda Health Clinic nurse Sandra Alford wants to make sure she is there for her patients.

“I love helping others and being there for our patients just to listen because sometimes we are the only person they have to talk to,” Alford said. “Sometimes that makes a difference in their lives.”

Ryan Tamula, Christus Trinity Mother Frances Administrative Director of Emergency Services, feels pride and love for his work. Through nursing, he is able to look into someone’s life and help them through difficult moments. He hopes people feel Jesus’ love, compassion and dignity when they see them.

“People don’t always know or understand how much we do, but we do it because we love it,” Tamula said. “We love helping people.”

Alice Luna, registered nurse, works as the Clinical Trainer at Special Health Resources in Longview, loves nursing because it allows her to help people.

“I love nursing because I love to take care and comfort the patients when they are sick,” Luna said. “I love helping someone achieve a better life by improving their health and just being able to help them out. It gives me a sense of purpose and it makes me happy. Furthermore, it is satisfying to know they feel more at ease after they see the care we provide.”

Black Nurses Rock Tyler President Lisa Williams enjoys her work as a Alzheimer’s and geriatrics nurse because she can see the impact on the faces of her clients.

“I find immense joy in being a nurse because it allows me to express my natural compassion and nurturing spirit,” Williams said. “Seeing the smile on someone’s face knowing I’ve made a positive difference in their life is the most rewarding feeling. Every day, I’m grateful for the opportunity to bring comfort and care to those in need.”

Black Nurses Rock Tyler member Andrea Gonzales works as an Alzheimer’s and geriatrics nurse. She loves working with the elderly because of their hearts and appreciation.

“I love what I do because the elderly community has the biggest heart and appreciates everything we do,” Gonzales said. “It’s incredibly rewarding to witness their genuine gratitude, even amidst memory loss. Their recognition and appreciation make every day meaningful and fulfilling.”

Community health nurse Mar’Shela Henderson, a licensed vocational nurse, and member of Black Nurses Rock Tyler, enjoys being able to do outreach and impact people’s lives.

“I love working as a community health nurse because it allows me to serve others directly in their own environment, making a tangible difference in their lives,” Henderson said. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see the impact of my work on individuals and families, promoting wellness and improving overall health outcomes within the community.”

Misty Hopkins, registered nurse, day shift inpatient care nurse at Baylor Scott and White Texas Spine and Joint Hospital, loves her work and helping patients.

“I love being a nurse; to treat my patients with compassion and advocate for them,” Misty Hopkins, RN, day shift, inpatient care unit at Texas Spine & Joint Hospital for over 13 years. “Being able to treat my patients like they are my family is the most rewarding part about being a nurse.”

Night shift TSJH nurse Dixie Ohiosumua has been at the hospital for over 20 years. She knows her work as a nurse impacts more than just her patient.

“As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the heart, mind, soul, and body of our patients, their families, and ourselves,” Ohiosumua said.

Angela Wilburn, a licensed vocational nurse specializing in med-surg and Black Nurses Rock Tyler board member, loves her work because she gets to meet the needs of patients.

“Nursing isn’t just a profession for me; it’s a calling rooted in empathy, kindness, and a desire to make a positive difference in people’s lives,” Wilburn said. “Every day, I am reminded of the profound impact we can have on others through the simple act of caring. It’s a privilege to walk alongside patients during their most vulnerable moments and provide them with the support and comfort they deserve. So, as I continue my journey as a nurse, I carry with me the belief that every patient deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and unwavering compassion.”

Antawnette Collins, licensed vocational nurse and member of Black Nurses Rock Tyler, feels good when the care she provides goes beyond the hospital, clinic or nursing home.

“The care that I provide touches the lives of someone’s mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, child, sibling, etc,” Collins said. “It is my prayer that the care that I provide for my patients impacts the not only the patients but their families in such a way that they feel loved and listened to in what may be a difficult time in life such a bad diagnosis or just them trying to understand their medications. All facets of nursing matter.”

For nurses, providing excellent care is important. Nurses at Christus Good Shepherd Medical Center in Longview recently received DAISY awards. The nurses are nominated by patients, family or co-workers “for the compassionate contributions they make every day [and] going above and beyond expectations,” according to the DAISY Foundation.

Registered nurse Amy Coppedge received the award for the care she provides, according to a patient’s sister.

“When we met Amy, she was kind and caring and put us at ease,” the sister said. “She was very diligent in discussing my sister’s health and care and what next steps we could expect. She is truly an angel on Earth!”

Registered nurse Jena Moon received the DAISY Award because she meets the needs of her patients.

“Jena is always concerned about the wellbeing of her patients, making sure their needs are met. She is a saint and Christus Good Shepherd is lucky to have her!” one statement read.

Registered nurse Kaelie Hestand received a DAISY award for the trust she builds with patients, according to a patient she helped through labor.

“During my labor, I felt very alone until Kaelie walked into the room,” a patient said. “I knew I could trust her to guide me through the process safely. Watching her take charge of my care was reassuring and helped me deliver a happy, healthy baby. She is an absolute gem of a person, an incredible nurse and I am so grateful to have found myself in her care that day.”

Kandace Brasher received a DAISY award for her dedication to patients.

“Kandace went above and beyond to ensure I had everything I needed during my stay. Her dedication to her patients is unmatched,” a patient said.

Registered nurse Rebecca Maroney also received a DAISY award for her compassion.

“Because of her compassionate care, a situation that could have been very intense and scary was made stressless and calm,” a patient said.