To coincide with Florence Nightingale’s birthday on May 12, National Nurses Week is May 6-12. Lawrence Memorial Hospital is pleased to join the nation in celebrating the dedication of nurses. Our theme this year is “Nursing: A Profession and a Passion.”

This week affords the perfect opportunity to celebrate and say thanks to the more than 450 nurses who work at LMH in a variety of roles and departments.

To get a glimpse into the professionalism and passion of nurses, LMH wants to share some stories to illustrate what a “day in the life” of a nurse is like. Here are some thoughts from a few LMH nurses in different roles. To read their full stories as well as others, visit lmh.org/nurses.

Megan Bost, RN, recovery room nurse, Surgical Services

Megan Bost

“The post anesthesia care unit, or PACU, is a unique place, and I have had the pleasure of waking people up from surgery for the past seven years. One of my favorite things about working in recovery is the variety of patients we take care of each day. Our patients range in age from babies to 100-year-olds. They could be extremely healthy, having their first surgery or coming to us from the ICU in hopes of saving their lives. I have to prioritize my patients’ needs and get the job done quickly, efficiently, but most importantly, safely. The days are always varied and each patient provides unique opportunities. What brings me back to work every day is the people, the camaraderie, the shared goal of excellent patient care. We truly care about our patients and strive to make their visit to LMH the best it can be.”

Clifton Sims, LPN, Center for Rehabilitation and Wellness and Wound Healing Center

Clifton Sims

Sims has been at LMH four years. He started as a certified nursing assistant, worked in the lab as a phlebotomist, and then graduated from Washburn University as an LPN. “I played football in college and really loved the rush that would come from playing the game. I ended up taking an anatomy and physiology course and really liked it. I originally wanted to go into business, but I looked at my options and nursing sounded like a great fit for me. And believe me, nursing can still provide that same rush! My parents, my coaches and mentors all told me that I was special and here for a reason. It took me awhile to believe them but I know I can help and make a difference. I want to learn as much as possible, and that’s why I really enjoy working on different units. Each one is unique and offers something different. And I have to ask myself, ‘What would happen to my patients if I don’t help them?’ That’s why I come back.”

Bonnie Jackson, RNC, BSN, C-EFM, staff nurse, Family Birthing Center

Bonnie Jackson

“I am a perinatal nurse, a labor and delivery nurse, a nursery nurse, an OB nurse. The term has changed over the nyears, but my job is still the same. I take care of pregnant women, their families, their babies, and help bring those babies safely into this world. My job is wonderful, magical, exciting, demanding, full of body fluids, exhausting, emotional, cool, stressful, hilarious, heartbreaking, beautiful, trying. And each day can be all of those and more. Every patient is unique, every labor and delivery is different and unique. Every baby is unique. There may be a common theme, but it’s never, ever the same. As a nurse, the only reason I come to work day after day is because I love what I do. This is my calling, this is my job, and I love it.”

Dara Cummings, BSN, Lawrence Pulmonary Specialists

Dara Cummings

Lawrence Memorial Hospital is a major sponsor of WellCommons.

“I have a bachelor’s degree in nursing and in respiratory care. I have spent much of my 16-year career around patients who struggle to breathe every day. These patients are scared, grouchy, anxious, nervous, and sometimes frustrated. However, they are also thankful, grateful, persistent and loving people who strive and yearn for an active lifestyle with minimal shortness of breath. I love everything about them. As a clinic nurse, I don’t just check in patients and take vital signs. I am the extra eyes and ears for all our doctors and patients. Sometimes patients will convey an aspect about their past medical history, medication regiment or lifestyle to me, but neglect to communicate it to the doctor. This could be a vital aspect and the missing link in providing the best possible care for the patient. My daughter, who is 17, has expressed interest in the nursing field. Would I encourage her to enter this profession? Absolutely! Nursing is a respectable profession, a caring profession, an admirable profession, and at times, mentally and emotionally challenging. Is it hard work? Yes! Is it dirty work? Yes! But, it’s a profession that I am proud and blessed to be part of.”

A hospital celebration to recognize nurses will take place at LMH on Wednesday, and on Thursday the LMH Endowment Association will honor many nurses who are continuing their healthcare education with the annual scholarship presentation. At 7:30 p.m. Thursday there will be a free screening of The American Nurse documentary film in the LMH Auditorium.

Bonnie Jackson, RNC, BSN, C-EFM, is a staff nurse at the Family Birthing Center at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, which is a major sponsor of WellCommons. She serves as chair of the planning committee for Nurses Week at LMH.