Heartland Advanced Practice Nursing Network (HAPNN) gave Southeast Missouri Hospital a $1000 gift for our support of nursing practice. The money was used as awards for an essay contest open to all RN’s at Southeast. The title of the essay was, “Nursing at Southeast Missouri Hospital.” One of the $500 prizes was awarded to a nurse with more than 10 years employment, and one for a nurse employed here less than 10 years.

Essays were coded with the author’s name removed before submission to the Recruitment and Retention committee for selection of winners.

Linda Wessel BSN,RN,CWOCN, Patient Education, and Judy Wright, RN, GI Lab, received their prizes from HAPNN member Angela Selzer, APRN,CS-FNP, on Oct. 20.

The winning submissions follow:

Nursing at Southeast Missouri Hospital

By Linda Wessel, BSN,RN,CWOCN

A flood of memories comes back to me when I think about my nursing career at Southeast Missouri Hospital. As a student nurse, I recall the positive experience I encountered here. The seasoned nurses were patient and kind. As a very young graduate, I depended on my supervisors for guidance. The assistance provided enabled me to grow and develop into the nurse I am today. Many years later, I returned to Southeast Missouri Hospital into the position I have now. I was given the opportunity to gain further education and training in the field I absolutely love.

I tell people that I have the best job in the Hospital, and I sincerely mean it.

The opportunities given to me have been phenomenal. I am allowed to attend national conferences to help keep current on new procedures and products available. I have presented case studies on two occasions at these conferences and have also been published in national journals.

I not only teach patients, but provide lectures and in-services to students and co-workers.

The most important aspect of my job is the patient and patient’s family. There is a lifelong bond that develops with my job. Many times my patients become my friends, and at times, seem like family. I receive hugs in Wal-Mart and sometimes peaches from my friend in Illinois.

There will always be certain patients who stand out through the years. I was asked to make a home visit to a patient in Dexter who had a draining chest wound. When I entered the living room, I recall seeing laundry baskets full of wet towels and her lying in a bed surrounded by towels. She said, “I’ve prayed all night for you to help me.” I held her hand and prayed that God would give me the ability to help this lady. I was able to apply a large wound manager that would contain the drainage to keep her dry. She passed away two weeks later, but I helped provide a dry, comfortable bed and improve her quality of life in that short time.

Having been in the nursing profession for many years, I have witnessed tremendous growth in the technology we now possess. I am amazed at the brilliant nurses we have who work with all the new equipment that helps provide excellent care for our patients. These are the same caring and compassionate nurses who comfort patients or family members during difficult times in their lives. I see the outpouring of love for a member of the Southeast family whenever a crisis occurs. I also remember the anniversary party given for a patient who had been in our Hospital for several months. They were honored with a dinner and an anniversary dance. This is the very essence of nursing at Southeast.

I believe I have provided a positive approach to patients facing surgery for cancer when their lives would be changed forever. Small things such as holding a hand, saying a prayer, or checking on family members when their loved one has been in the operating room for several hours can make all the difference in the world.

The ultimate compliment for me came from my daughter who is a physical therapist. She wrote, “I want to give the care to my patients that my mother gives to hers – she is my role model for providing exceptional patient care.” How blessed I am to have this young lady as my daughter, and how blessed I have been for being a nurse at Southeast Missouri Hospital.

I am proud to say I am a nurse at Southeast. I work with an exceptional group of nurses and fellow employees. I see acts of kindness everyday, and we are all blessed to be able to work in an environment of caring and compassion for not only our patients but also our entire family of employees.

My Amazing Adventure

By Judy Wright, RN

Amazing adventure describes my experience as a nurse at Southeast Missouri Hospital. I have only been on staff for two years and consider myself fortunate to have the privilege to work here.

Approximately three years ago, I attended a recruitment dinner. I was impressed with Southeast’s presentation. The benefits were outstanding, the pay scale competitive, the encouragement toward furthering education attractive, and most impressive was the long-term employment of so many present. I knew that something right was in place here. I was intrigued by the pride and loyalty from the managers who led department tours. I left the Hospital with much to consider.
Less than a year later, I interviewed for a position. I knew immediately I wanted this job and I wanted to work for Southeast. I am grateful that I was hired.

Describing my time here as amazing and an adventure was purposeful. The qualities about Southeast Missouri Hospital that have amazed me most are an unparalleled commitment to provide the most excellent care to its patients on every level – body and spirit. This commitment obviously drives this Hospital and is critical in its every decision. Support for nursing staff with wonderful opportunity for furthering education by in-service and seminars is excellent. The collaboration between departments in working together to bridge every gap granting our patients the very best of care is impressive. There is a strong sense of family here at Southeast – everyone works together to get the job done effectively and efficiently. What an example of teamwork! The helpfulness from everyone is remarkable, and beyond the helpfulness are warm smiles. I can unequivocally say that I have NEVER had the privilege of working in such a wonderful setting, and there have been several since becoming an RN in 1975.

Administration at Southeast has certainly shown its ability to place in leadership very fine individuals who are more than capable to lead by example. My current manager is the best I’ve had the opportunity to work with in my entire nursing career. The managers and Administration have created an environment for growth and development for us all.

Constant change creates the adventure. Southeast is demonstrating its progressive attitude toward the future. This Hospital pushes past its comfort zones to achieve the highest standards in the physical facility it maintains, the quality of care it provides, and the expertise of its staff.

The learning experience has been an adventure. Quality of orientation and obvious effort to educate and retain employees is commendable. Daily mentoring and teaching occurs throughout this Hospital as nurses share their wealth of varied experience and training with one another and physicians relate current information in every field.

Working at Southeast Missouri Hospital is a joy. Caring for others is the most wonderful choice any of us can make. We are “MAKING A DIFFERENCE” everyday as we extend our hands and our hearts lifting lives in need. Thank you Southeast Missouri Hospital – you’ve made a difference in my life!