Why I Love Nursing…

“I love helping my clients turn their disabilities into abilities.” Diana Allen, Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital

“As a nurse, people are always inspiring and challenging me to improve myself, my knowledge and skills. As I am able to, I will be a patient advocate, educate the patient and the family and be their spokesperson.” Reagan L. Alonso, Volunteers in Medicine

“Nursing itself is a discipline that is defined as ‘the diagnosis and treatment of human response.’ I love this uniquely singular focus of our profession which unifies many roles and disciplines and defines us as a profession.” Park S. Balevre, Chamberlain College of Nursing

“Over my career in nursing I have had the opportunity to be with people at their best times and worst times.” Kathaleen C. Bloom, University of North Florida School of Nursing

“It is very rewarding to help our patients throughout their treatment and beyond.” Shelly Brock, Mayo Clinic

“I love making people laugh and brightening their day.” Amy Calcote, Baptist Medical Center, Downtown

Carol Carlson, Orange Park Medical Center

“Sometimes you can have a significant impact on a patient’s outcome and never actually see or touch the patient. Other times, it is the close, personal moment you spend with the patient just listening to their fears and concerns that makes the biggest difference.” Nichlas Collingwood, Baptist Medical Center South

“I love being a nurse because of the deep down rewarding feeling of knowing that I have made a difference.” J. Dare Evans, Baptist Beaches Medical Center

“I feel honored to be a part of people’s lives at a very important and often scary time. I love the connections that I make with them. I like being part of a large community of nurses that is constantly creating new ways to improve the care that is provided to people.” Michelle Fay, First Coast Oncology

Katherine Flowers, Memorial Hospital

“I feel that it is a blessing every day that I come to work and am able to help my patients bring a new life into the world. I always tell my patients thank you for allowing us to be a part of your birthing experience.” Adrienne Geathers, Orange Park Medical Center

“I have a passion for people and needed to work where I could do the most good.” Donna Ghanayem, Shands Jacksonville

“I meet patients when they are sick. This is my time to hold their hand, explain in detail what the doctor said and prepare them for what is next.” Alicia Greendeer Dollison, St. Vincent’s Riverside

Leigh Hart, Jacksonville University

“I love caring for others. I love the opportunity to teach the patients.” Angela Haynes-Harris, Flagler Hospital

“I feel honored to be the voice for those who cannot speak and to be trusted with the care of so many loved ones. Family involvement is so significant to patient care as a whole and no two patients are alike.” Catherine Hidalgo, St. Vincent’s Riverside

“I have the opportunity to assist in the restoration of health in an individual by providing excellent nursing care with a smile and a kind word.” Marcia Holsey, Duval County Health Department

“Learning is never ending and changes are ongoing, but most of all I love my patients and their families.” Wendy Holt, St. Vincent’s Southside

“It is who I am and it resides in my heart and my soul.” Diane Johnson, Keiser University

Daniel Johnson, Baptist Health

“I get to take care of patients when they need it most. I feel a deep honor that my patients put their trust in me to take care of them.” Amee Jones, Baptist Medical Center Downtown

“Using my skills and compassion can make a tragedy a little easier to navigate and manage.” John Lunde, Orange Park Medical Center

CDR Christi Marti, Naval Hospital Jacksonville

“I meet different people every day and can impact their lives by empowering them in their healthcare.” Ana Bernal-Martinez, Shands Jacksonville

“No matter what area of nursing you choose you make a difference in patients’ and families’ lives every day with the work that you perform.” Peggy McCartt, Baptist Health

“I can help new nurses gain their confidence, help patients and families through the difficult times and feel like I made a difference in someone’s day.” Holly McDermott, Flagler Hospital

Mary Brennan McElroy, Community Hospice

“Our patients are sometimes very vulnerable and I do what I can to make them feel they will be well taken care of.” Robbie Miller, St. Vincent’s Southside

“Nursing is in my genes! This is a servant’s role where you help those who are in need.” Janneice Caldwell Moore, Kaplan College

“I love the smile a child gives you when you care for them, the innocence of a child facing a very scary illness, the resilience a child displays day in and day out.” Rebecca Morgan, Wolfson Children’s Hospital

Andrea Morris, Memorial Hospital

“I love being the person they feel comfortable enough to cry in front of while they share their stories. I love celebrating with them as they get better and making them smile.” Cara Nelson, Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital

Kristen Noel, Mayo Clinic

Angelina Ortiz, Mayo Clinic

Kathleen Ostynski, Baptist Home Health

Katisha Payne, Orange Park Medical Center

“Nursing has allowed me the opportunity to give medical care, knowledge and comfort to people during some of the most difficult, as well as special, moments in their lives.” Kristy Rica, St. Vincent’s Southside

“I love being part of a team for one’s total health. I love helping my patients heal – whether it is physical, mental or emotional. I love the teaching aspect that is necessary in nursing.” Martha Rich, Baptist Primary Care, Orange Park Pediatrics

“I have been allowed to journey with my hospice patients as they travel from this life to the next. I have been blessed to sit with and comfort grieving families and friends and share the joy of the birth of a new baby.” Linda Scaz, Haven Hospice

“I like to help people feel better and promote them to live healthy lifestyles.” Susan Schultz, Florida State College at Jacksonville

Kimberly Shogren, St. Vincent’s Southside

“Nursing allows me to share a caring and compassionate time with another human being who may be experiencing an illness or difficult life circumstance.” Nancy Silki, Naval Hospital Jacksonville

“It is a profession of service.” Sharon Smith, Flagler Hospital

“I have the opportunity to impact the lives of others.” Stacey Stafford, Shands Jacksonville

“It’s never the same, always changing and evolving like it’s supposed to do.” Luciana Swiridowsky, Memorial Hospital

“I like people and the challenge of helping my fellow man in difficult times and in good times.” Captain Michael Vernere, Naval Hospital Jacksonville

“I believe this is what God intended me to be.” Jovette Williams, Rescare, Florida-Jacksonville Homes