Thank You Nurses- Celebrating Nurse Appreciation Month

We’ve all known that compassionate, noble, and selfless nurses make our healthcare systems work. During May, National Nurses Month (with Nurse Week May 6-13), nurses are recognized for their hard work and dedication to healthcare. It's a good time to learn more about the key roles played at Central Health by nurses, providing a range of services and ensuring compassionate care for all patients. Central Health recognizes the sacrifices nurses make so that our communities can have more equitable healthcare.??

Over the next year, Central Health nurses will be on the teams opening the Rosewood-Zaragosa specialty care clinic and the Hornsby Bend Health and Wellness Center. This month, Central Health highlights three of its nurses’ stories.?

Kathryn Tindall, Assistant Nurse Manager?

Before joining Central Health in April 2023, Kathryn Tindall worked in emergency services in Oakland California. At the hospital setting, Tindall treated patients who were low income or uninsured, showing her the importance of equitable and quality healthcare.?

“Nursing is often challenging, but it is also rewarding when your patients receive the care they deserve,” said Tindall.??

Tindall has been a nurse for 10 years, committing to her values of care and healing.?

“I wanted to become a nurse because I wanted to be a caregiver and because I have that dedication.”?

Throughout her career as a nurse, Tindall celebrated Nurses Week, but didn't recognize the importance of recognizing nurses.

“I used to not get so much celebration during Nurses Week but I feel very appreciated and seen here at Central Health," said Tindall.??

Tindall will be the Nurse Program Manager at the Rosewood Zaragosa specialty care clinic, opening October 2023.??

Kendall Turner, Assistant Nurse Manager?

For Kendall Turner, being a nurse goes beyond healthcare and patient care.??

“A nurse is someone who is compassionate, can multitask and is willing to go above and beyond, advocating for their patient's safety,“ said Turner.??

Turner started at Central Health in March 2023 and is an Assistant Nurse Manager. She will also be working in the Rosewood Zaragosa specialty care clinic.??

Turner started her career as a labor and delivery nurse and later as a charge nurse. For seven years, Turner’s background in the hospital setting also taught her to handle the challenges nurses experience in patient care.??

“In nursing school you learn one way, and in the real world, every patient is different. What works for one might not work for another, so you figure out how to care as you go per patient.”?

As an Assistant Nurse Manager, Turner said she will continue to collaborate with various clinical teams, educating new nurses and patients, ready for new challenges.?

“In care, there is always the patient, the family, and the clinical team,” said Turner. “Everyone has their own view, so listening to everyone, putting it all together and then using my knowledge as well guides us towards the best outcome.”??

Cynthia Cooper, Triage Supervisor?

Since first becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse 13 years ago, Cynthia Cooper has held various roles, including as a travel nurse, an Outpatient Surgery Nurse, and a case manager, and has earned her MBA in healthcare administration. Throughout this varied career, keeping humility and patience at the core reminds Cooper of her purpose and passion in nursing.??

“Nursing has been very fulfilling for me. I truly think this was my calling,” said Cooper.???

Nursing has taught Cooper to be flexible and make a difference in her patients' lives. A nurse juggles various patients at a time, according to Cooper, so flexibility and attention to details is imperative to the patient's experience. Realizing that not every patient is the same, creating a positive impact with one patient is enough to make Cooper’s day.??

“This position is a servant position. If you get into this position, you should be ready to serve the population you are serving,” said Cooper.??

COVID-19 and its aftermath left a strain in the field, one that many nurses are still battling with.??

“It caused a lot of burnouts in nursing. It caused a lot of disarray for nurses and how we are treated,” said Cooper. “Not having the proper gear was not acceptable. Caring for others and not being cared for was not acceptable.”?

Despite these challenges, Cooper says nurses stay stay true to caring for patients and are open to making improvements in the industry.??

“Don’t take nurses for granted because we do a lot, even though doctors make certain decisions, nurses are there to see what’s actually happening,” said Cooper.??