Connecting with heart: Meet the Beacon nurses who bring comfort to every patient they serve

Throughout May, we have been sharing the stories of our Beacon nurses on our social channels. We have been touched by their words and by your words — the community response — to these nurses who represent our seven hospitals and medical group.

Beyond the expertise that defines the nursing profession, it’s the genuine personal connection our Beacon nurses forge with their patients that truly sets them apart. The gentle, comforting touch for someone in pain. The thoughtful gesture of a warm blanket. The sincere joy shared when witnessing a patient’s recovery. These moments become etched in our memories – small but powerful acts of compassion.

The heart of health care beats strongest in these connections. When a nurse remembers a patient’s grandchild’s name, stays late to ensure comfort, or celebrates each small victory in recovery, these are the moments that transform health care into healing. At Beacon, our nurses don’t just deliver outstanding care and inspire health, they truly connect with heart in every patient interaction.

As National Nurses Month comes to a close, we invite you to meet some of the remarkable individuals who make Beacon exceptional. Their stories reveal not only their professional dedication but also their personal commitment to bringing our mission to life. Join us in honoring all our nurses who, through countless acts of compassion both seen and unseen, are forever changing lives in our community—one heartfelt connection at a time.

Heidi Cammett, RN
Beacon Granger Hospital

After 20 years in the service industry, Heidi Cammett felt a calling she couldn’t ignore — the desire to care for people in their most vulnerable moments. That calling led her to a career in nursing. “It’s actually not so different. You meet new people every day, and your job is to make their experience better. The difference now is, I’m doing it in moments that truly matter.”

As a nurse in both the Emergency Department and Inpatient Unit at Beacon Granger Hospital, Heidi brings calm and compassion to patients who may be feeling nervous or anxious. “Every time a patient looks me in the eye and says, ‘Thank you for your service, I could never do your job,’ I know I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.”

There’s one moment early in her career she’ll never forget. A patient she helped resuscitate was transferred to the ICU. Days later, he returned to her care — awake, alert and recovering. “I remember thinking, I was part of saving his life. His family still has him, and I helped make that possible. That’s a feeling I’ll carry forever.”

For Heidi, “connecting with heart” means more than just being kind. It means being present, being patient and offering knowledge and comfort in equal measure. “In the ER especially, people are scared, overwhelmed. If I can ease their fear or help them understand what’s happening, then I’ve done something meaningful.”

She finds strength on the hard days in the support of her incredible colleagues and in her family, who remind her why she chose this path. “Being a nurse has shaped every part of who I am. It’s a profession that never stops growing you,” Heidi says. “If you’re thinking about it, do it. There’s no limit to how far you can go, and there’s no greater pride than knowing you made a difference in someone’s life.”

Ally Kuiper, RN
Three Rivers Health Hospital

“Being a nurse in the emergency department means being a steady presence during some of the most vulnerable moments of a person’s life. It’s about offering compassion, a calming voice, or even just a reassuring touch when everything feels uncertain.”

Ally Kuiper was inspired to become a nurse after working in emergency medical services right out of high school. She loved the adrenaline rush and fast pace of EMS, but she felt a pull to provide care beyond the ambulance ride.

Emergency nursing at Three Rivers Health blends high-stakes, rapid treatment with comprehensive hospital care. “I wanted to be part of their care all the way through. It’s about thinking quickly, acting decisively and working seamlessly with a team to provide the best possible care under pressure. It’s knowing that every second counts.”

The most rewarding part of nursing is seeing people get better. “It’s incredibly meaningful when patients and their families smile, even on what might be one of their toughest days, just because they felt cared for.”

One patient returned to visit after being critically ill. Despite being confused during her stay, the patient remembered both the doctor and Ally. “Knowing I made that kind of impact reminded me why I became a nurse and motivates me. Even when patients may not remember my name, the care I gave could make all the difference.”

Ally finds it is often small moments – a warm smile or sharing a laugh – that allow her to connect with heart. “Even a brief conversation about their past can build a meaningful connection, offering them a moment of comfort and helping take their mind off their illness, even if for a little while.”

She focuses on simple truths on challenging days. “I’ve learned to accept that there will be both good days and tough ones, and it’s that balance that keeps me grounded. On hard days, I remind myself why I became a nurse and focus on the moments I love most: connecting with patients, making a difference and being there when it matters most.”

Ultimately, Ally believes that becoming a nurse is one of the most rewarding, yet challenging, paths someone can take. “There will be tough days when you question your strength and decisions, but the impact you can make on someone’s life is immeasurable.”

Carlos Cruz, RN
Memorial Epworth Center

Carlos Cruz believes the experiences he has had as a nurse have shaped his understanding of what it means to live your life with purpose and intention. His role at Memorial Epworth Center offers him daily opportunities to do what he loves most: making a positive impact in patients’ lives.

Nursing first captured his interest through a neighbor in the profession. “Her compassion and empathy inspired me to become a nurse,” Carlos says.

Today, he lives out these values by providing compassionate care to those in vulnerable situations, “meeting patients where they are. Always with empathy and awareness of their unique circumstances.”

“Professionally, it’s a fulfilling career with opportunities in various areas and countless ways to make a positive impact in people’s lives.” While acknowledging the challenges of his work, Carlos finds strength by focusing on his family and recognizes when self-care becomes essential so he can continue to do his best.

Carlos recalls a particularly meaningful patient encounter. “We had talked at length about his illness, medications and outpatient services.” In addition to answering his questions, Carlos educated the patient about managing his condition and discussed prevention strategies. “I feel I connected with him,” he adds.

These moments are what Carlos finds most rewarding.

When does he know he made the right career choice? “Every time I help someone navigate a difficult situation, see them get better and gain the tools they need to thrive,” he responds. “Find your ‘why’ and everything will fall into place.”

Rion Buck, RN
Elkhart General Hospital

As a nurse aid, Rion Buck quickly discovered his passion for helping patients through hard times to heal and return home. He began his nursing degree while working on a Progressive Care Unit at Elkhart General Hospital. “I loved providing patient care and started pursuing a nursing degree to further my career.”

Rion has found his true calling in critical care, where he now serves as both a floor nurse and back-up charge nurse. “The moment I was able to take care of a complex critical care patient, I knew that I was doing what I was meant to do.”

While his work is deeply fulfilling, it also presents challenges. “I had a patient that was terminally ill, and their family was having a difficult time accepting the fact that they were passing.” Rion comforted the grieving family while providing compassionate care to the patient as they passed. “Helping the patient and the family through these tough situations reminds me why I chose this profession.”

He also takes great pride in the intellectual rigor of his career. “It makes me strive to be educated in the area I work and allows me to practice my skills to their fullest extent. That means I can help a patient no matter the situation or how critical they may be. I am helping patients during their most dire need and providing comfort.”

For Rion, “connecting with heart” means providing patients a sense of comfort and security that “allows them to relax, knowing they are receiving the best care we can offer.”

The support of his critical care team keeps him grounded at work. And spending time with his two dogs at home helps sustain him through the most challenging days. “As a nurse, you are there during a patient’s hardest time. The job has its highs and lows. I think the most important thing in nursing is finding the area you love being in with a team you love being with.”

Lauren Daugherty, RN
Memorial Hospital

Lauren Daugherty’s grandmother inspired her to become a nurse — even though she wasn’t one herself. “She always praised nurses for the work they did and said they were ‘next to godliness.’” The idea took root in young Lauren’s impressionable mind. “My mom kept a paper from first grade where I said I wanted to be a nurse when I grew up.”

After she achieved her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse, Lauren recognized she was precisely where she belonged. “I greatly enjoy being with people and walking with them on what is usually the worst days of their lives. Most people are so appreciative, and I find that to be extremely rewarding.”

When taking care of a dying patient, she had an honest conversation about stopping treatment and planning for the next phase. “The patient needed someone to hold their hand and be honest with them, and that is exactly what I offered them.” After coordinating with hospice, the patient passed away peacefully in their own home, which fulfilled their last wish. “I was happy that I was able to help facilitate that peaceful transition.”

For Lauren, “connecting with heart” resonates in everything she does. “I put myself in my patient’s shoes and try to see the world from their perspective. It helps me to feel more connected with my patients and allows me tocare for them in a more profound way.”

Lauren recommends people interested in nursing first become a certified nursing assistant to make sure it’s something they want to do. “It gives you hands-on experience that you don’t get in nursing school clinicals.”

Even though nursing presents daily challenges, Lauren feels the day is worth it if she can help just one patient navigate a difficult situation. “I walk in the hospital doors knowing that my life has meaning, and I am making a difference in the world — even if it’s a small one. Nursing humbles you, and it makes me a better person every day.”

Erica Schrock, RN
Community Hospital of Bremen

It was Erica Schrock’s desire to help others that instinctively drew her to the nursing profession. “I enjoy helping and talking with people.” With four years of nursing at Community Hospital of Bremen under her belt, she’s confident she made the right career choice.

Erica had always felt called to work in a healthcare field and spent nine years as a medical assistant while attending nursing school. Now that she’s a registered nurse working in the surgery department, her career choice is layered with meaning: professionally, her work embodies compassion, patience and trust. Personally, “being a nurse means care and love for our community.”

Nursing has shaped her to be a stronger and more compassionate, caring and loving person. It’s all woven into connecting with heart, and to Erica, that means forging meaningful connections both personally and emotionally. “I live this out in my work by getting to know my patients as much as possible. I like to ask about their families, career and interests while getting them ready for surgery.”

She recalls a patient who was feeling anxious before surgery. “After the procedure when she was leaving, she stated how thankful she was that I was her nurse. She said I took the time to listen to her concerns, was patient, and did not rush her when getting ready for surgery … I was reminded that this is why I chose nursing.”

There are other special moments as well, like the conversation Erica had with a patient who had been at hospitals many times for himself or family members. “He told me I was the best nurse he had ever had. I knew then that God led me to nursing, and I’m doing exactly what I was meant to do.” The most rewarding part of her days? “Happiness when a patient is leaving the hospital. When a patient leaves smiling or laughing after having a surgery, it means we made them feel comfortable.”

That doesn’t mean her job is without challenges. On tough days, her faith and beloved “kiddos” carry her through. “I have three kids that love me no matter what and are always happy to see me when I get home. I can think about them or look at them and the challenging day disappears.” She advises anyone thinking about becoming a nurse to “Do it! Nursing can be tough, but it is also a rewarding career with so many options.”

Jody Ames, RN
Beacon Medical Group La Porte

It was in the first few years of her marriage when Jody Ames was helping her husband study for his nursing classes and thought, “I can do this!” She joined him in pursuing the profession with three young children at home and graduated just before the birth of their fourth child.

“I knew I wanted to do something so that I could support our family if needed with a flexible schedule.” Thirty years later, as a registered nurse at Beacon Medical Group, it’s clear she made the right decision.

Jody has moments daily that validate her calling, but 2020 brought profound clarity. “During the COVID pandemic, I knew I was right where I needed to be. It’s a life of service, showing compassion and looking at each patient knowing they are a child of God just like all of us. It means giving each one the very best of me, regardless of their circumstances.”

Nursing’s greatest reward is knowing that Jody has made a difference in someone’s life. “To me, connecting with heart means really listening—with empathy, and without judgment. It’s about going deeper and creating real understanding. I try to carry that mindset into every part of my life, not just at work. That means giving people my full attention and truly listening. It also means advocating for both my patients and my providers to get the best care possible.”

Nursing is second only to Jody’s faith and being a mother and grandmother. Though challenging, her colleagues help her stay grounded. Nursing has taught her that life is fragile, and each patient deserves to be treated with kindness and compassion.

“Sometimes, it’s not even about words. A simple hand squeeze or a gentle pat on the arm can say so much. For some patients, that might be the only genuine touch they get. I want each patient to know they matter.”

Emily Climaco, RN
Beacon Children’s Hospital

For Emily Climaco, watching former patients – once tiny and fragile – running, laughing and thriving alongside their grateful parents at Beacon Children’s Hospital’s annual NICU reunion creates moments of magic. “It serves as a reminder that I love what I do and how much of a difference nurses can make in someone’s journey. I love helping others fulfill their dreams.”

As a mother herself, Emily cherishes daily moments in the NICU with families. Initially inspired by family members and friends in nursing, she has discovered her true calling supporting families during the “scariest and happiest days of their lives. Being a nurse to me personally means helping others, offering my knowledge, skills, education and empathy to anyone who needs it.”

“Connecting with heart” is the essence of Emily’s nursing philosophy. It happens effortlessly when she is caring for vulnerable NICU babies and supporting their families. “In the NICU this feels like the easiest thing to do. Holding and loving on babies when their families cannot be there, holding a mom’s hand and listening to her as she goes through a whirl of emotions, or validating a dad on a good diaper change – I have so many opportunities to do this every time I come to work.”

Emily remembers caring for one of her first moms and their baby in a couplet care room. The younger mom needed reassurance “and she really came to trust me and look forward to when I was working. Being able to love on her baby and really help her mature into motherhood was so fulfilling.” She saw them again at a NICU reunion, when the mom thanked her for the love, encouragement and support. “That moment was so emotional and just reminded me how fortunate I am to be in this profession.”

As much as she gives to her NICU patients, Emily gets plenty back in return. “Nursing is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. It has taught me to be patient, loving and thankful every day. It has really helped me be a better person.”

Donna Piludu, RN
Beacon Granger Hospital

When nurse Donna Piludu feels the weight of a challenging shift, she recalls a patient she cared for back in 2002. She still cherishes a beautiful card the patient’s son gave her.

“He thanked me for taking care of his dad and for supporting his entire family during what they thought was their darkest hour,” she shares. “More than two decades later, I still keep that card. On the toughest days, I pull it out and remind myself that this calling is exactly what I was meant to do.”

Donna’ nursing career started later than most. She completed her nursing degree at age 36 and accepted a position at Memorial Hospital. Although she had explored other career options, the nursing profession kept tugging at her heart.

“Becoming a nurse later in life gave me a unique perspective. I understood the tremendous responsibility of caring for critically ill patients in a way that goes beyond medical treatment.”

She has navigated emergency rooms and cardiovascular units, holding both management and caregiver roles in larger cities like Chicago to her current role at Beacon Granger Hospital. But her heart has always been at the bedside.

For Donna, connecting with heart is “simply a way of being. It’s how you connect with and support your coworkers, patients and their families. My inspiration comes from knowing that I am making a difference in the lives of patients in how I show up for them.”

Being a nurse becomes part of your identity.

“I find that no matter where I am, I am always assessing people and situations, whether at home or out in the community. You develop a sixth sense and know when something isn’t right. I have assisted in cardiac arrests at a pool and at a high school graduation as well as intervened with total strangers on the street who are in trouble. Being a nurse is who I am.”

Ashley Schoetzow, RN
Three Rivers Health Hospital

After spending six years as a medical assistant, Ashley Schoetzow recognized healthcare was her true calling. So, she went back to school to become a registered nurse, joining Three Rivers Health as an emergency nurse in 2020 before moving to obstetric care.

“Being a nurse was one of the best decisions that I have ever made. It has changed my life for the better.”

For Ashley, the most rewarding part of being a nurse is seeing the difference that she can make in people’s lives. “When you work in labor and delivery, it can be one of the scariest times in a woman’s life. But to be able toencourage them and witness the miracle of birth over and over again is one of the most rewarding experiences ever.”

She vividly remembers one of her first deliveries. The patient and spouse were so thankful and full of happiness and love that it just emanated throughout the room. In that transformative moment, Ashley realized, “I am in the right place, and I absolutely love this job.”

Connecting with heart to Ashley means that she is always placing herself in her patient’s shoes, understanding where they are coming from and how she can help and support them in their decisions. “Allowing myself to connect with patients has helped me care for them in tremendous ways.”

Among her most profound professional experiences was during the pandemic’s early days in the emergency department, where she met an elderly patient who was experiencing a stroke and had a do not resuscitate order. It proved to be an emotional time for everyone there.

“Her husband of 50-plus years looked at me, gave me a hug and thanked me for not leaving their side while they said goodbye. It was at that moment I knew that I chose the right profession, because I was meant to be that support person, to reassure them that they had made the best decision for themselves. I will carry that hug and reassurance with me forever.”

Nicole Holloway, RN
Memorial Epworth Center

Nicole Holloway serves as a behavioral emergency response team (BERT) nurse at Memorial Hospital. When and where help is needed, Nicole answers the call. Her interest in mental health support stems from a deeply personal experience.

“My dad suffered from severe PTSD from the Vietnam war. I chose to become a nurse to assist individuals with similar struggles,” she says. “I understand how behavioral health impacts the family dynamics.”

Nicole finds fulfillment in helping people discover hope, courage and the ability to overcome their challenges. Being a nurse allows her to embrace kindness and healing. “Often, I appreciate how much I get out of giving and helping others — it’s a double reward!”

One meaningful experience involved a patient admitted with severe mental illness, who initially could not provide meaningful communication or participate in care. Through treatment and compassionate support from Nicole and the Memorial Epworth Center team, she witnessed a remarkable transformation.

Upon discharge, the patient started to cry. “I’m so glad you helped me. I was really sick. Most people don’t care, like I’m a nobody, but you guys really helped me.” For Nicole, moments like these remind her why she chose the nursing profession.

For Nicole, “connecting with heart” means embracing kindness and healing. “Our patients and their families are hurting, physically and emotionally. When I provide active listening, engagement, a hug or smile, or a few extra minutes — these are all examples of how nursing care connects with the heart.”

Being a nurse is rewarding for Nicole both personally and professionally. “It means going through each great day and bad day just the same, relying on teamwork and building relationships, giving when there is nothing left to give. “If you’re thinking of becoming a nurse, would you be able to care for others as if they’re family? If the answer is yes, please sign up! You won’t regret it.”

Melinda Perry, RN
Elkhart General Hospital

When Melinda Perry welcomed her second child, the encouragement, knowledge and support of the nursescaring for her left such a big impression that it sparked her own calling to nursing.

Today, an experienced labor and delivery nurse, Melinda finds it rewarding to guide women through one of life’s most transformational experiences. “Whether that be finding their own strength in the actual birthing process, the confidence in caring for the new life they brought into this world, or anything in between.”

She recalls caring for a mother and family for three days during an exhausting induction and labor journey. “There were many times I had to help the patient cope with the doubts, the exhaustion, all the what-ifs.” Though disappointed to miss the birth during her shift, Melinda made a special visit when she returned to Elkhart General Hospital to congratulate the proud parents.

“Many people assume obstetric nurses spend a lot of time holding babies, but that is hardly the case. When I walked in, both mom and dad were so happy to see me and excited to show me their baby. The mom brought her baby over to me and told me, You must hold her. You helped us get here. This happened years ago, and it’s still one of my favorite moments.”

Nursing has shaped Melinda to be more compassionate and empathetic. For her, connecting with heart means meeting her patients exactly where they are: “Getting to know them and understanding any barriers to care so that I may provide the best care for each individual. Getting to work with a variety of people from different walks of life with their own unique experiences has helped me grow as a person.”

Despite challenging days, Melinda draws strength from her family and colleagues. She encourages those considering nursing to embrace both its demands and rewards. “It requires dedication, flexibility, willingness tolearn, empathy and more. But when nurses do what they love, it shows.”

Melinda regularly experiences moments that affirm her decision to become a nurse. “I think every time a mother looks to me for support, whether that’s with help understanding something or simply holding her hand, I get this quiet but solidifying feeling of, I am in my element. This is where I want to be.”

Chris Nelson, RN
Memorial Hospital

Chris Nelson discovered his calling for nursing while in the Marines taking lifesaver courses, and he has become a lifesaver in more ways than one. He not only provides important medical care but also supports patients who need it most.

“Making a difference to people who may not have anyone there for them is really rewarding. I like to make patients laugh or smile, especially when I know that they are going through some of the worst experiences that they may ever have.”

As a dedicated heart and vascular unit nurse at Memorial Hospital, Chris has seen profound suffering and hardship as well as remarkable resilience. It has helped him develop deeper gratitude in his own life. “As hard as the bad days can be, watching a patient go from being unable to walk and struggling to breathe, to walking out on their own two legs can be so rewarding.”

For Chris, “connecting with heart” is how he builds relationships. “I never know how my personality, care or actions will change someone’s life. I do my best to make the best of every situation and try to find an individual connection with every patient I have.”

He seeks common ground – whether through shared pets, similar career paths, comparable life circumstances, or even the same favorite foods. “Many of my interactions with my patients end up changing me for the better.”

To aspiring nurses, he offers candid yet encouraging guidance: “It’s not an easy road. However, if you have the right mindset, it can bring you a fulfillment that you didn’t know you needed. Watching a patient’s face light up when I walk in the room after a couple of days off is a constant reminder of why I chose to do this.”

Chris draws strength from the support of his colleagues. “I am lucky. I couldn’t do anything without them. I have made some of the best friendships here and consider them a family to rely on.”

Geri Newman, RN
Community Hospital of Bremen

Geri Newman grew up loving farm life and managing farms, never imagining the journey that lay ahead. Her mother, who was also a nurse, gave her that final, life-changing push to pursue nursing as a career a few days before she passed.

“I had no idea at the time that would be one of our last conversations. She always knew I would become a nurse – I just needed the swift kick she gave me to become one.”

Geri quickly knew she had answered her true calling. “As a new nurse, I was able to help an older man process his diagnosis of lung cancer. I thought, ‘God has put me here to care for others.’” She finds her role as a charge nurse and preceptor in the Medical-Surgical Unit at Community Hospital of Bremen extremely satisfying. “Being able to help patients recover and return to their normal activities is rewarding.”

Many experiences continue to remind Geri why she became a nurse, including being there for a dear friend battling colon cancer. After doctors treated him during an ER visit, Geri has an honest and compassionate conversation that would stay with her forever.

“Having watched him and cared for him, I knew he would not make it. I remember sitting on his bed, holding his hand and saying, ‘You are not going to beat this. You need to turn it over to God. He has a plan for you, and it’s going to be OK.’ He went home on hospice shortly thereafter. The morning he passed, I had a vivid dream that he was sitting on my bed, saying ‘I am going to be OK.’”

This personal experience shows how Geri approaches every aspect of nursing with compassion and love.

For Geri, “connecting with heart” means that she would rather give than receive. “I try with all of my patients totreat and care for them as I would want my family members cared for.” Her family and friends are who keep her grounded and motivated on the most challenging days.

Geri offers wise advice for people considering becoming a nurse. “If you are going into nursing for the money only, then don’t, because there is no amount of money that will make you happy. Become a nurse because you want to help others with their health. I am truly blessed to be able to provide holistic care to my patients.”

Laurie Hund-Scheiber
Beacon Medical Group

As a teen, Laurie Hund-Scheiber quizzed her sister with flash cards before her tests in nursing school. “I always admired her dedication to the profession.” Little did she know that this early exposure would plant seeds for her own remarkable nursing journey.

Flash forward a few decades, and Laurie has not only become a nurse herself but is also passionately training future generations of nurses. As a Beacon Medical Group medical educator, Laurie offers comprehensive on-boarding classes for new nurses and medical assistants, CPR classes, clinical boot camps and other important educational programs. “I feel especially rewarded when my students have the ‘ah-ha’ moments, and I enjoy seeing their enthusiasm for nursing.”

She knows she’s just where she’s meant to be — and little moments continually remind her of her purpose. Recently, a high school student she taught years ago reached out to tell her she attained her doctorate degree in nursing.

“She shared how I influenced her life. I treasure comments like this as we never know who crosses our paths in life and how we impact them. Being an educator offered many opportunities for receiving recognition for being in someone’s life in impactful ways.”

Laurie shares what it means to her to ‘connect with heart’: “A nurse offers her heart in her care Every nursing activity, whether it is performing a skill, teaching a patient, family, or co-worker, or offering health advice, is an act of commitment and attention for the safety and dignity of every human. To connect with heart means knowing each other’s stories, respecting where they are coming from, and finding ways to meet their unique situations.”

This approach shapes everything she does as an educator, turning everyday training sessions into meaningful moments that help new nurses develop not just their skills, but their compassion, too.

While Laurie finds nursing deeply rewarding, she also acknowledges it can feel demanding at times. “The patient comes first in your care, and if you are not fully committed or willing to offer your best, then this is not the right profession for you. It is a balancing act between self-care and patient care, and with the right mentors and support system, you can thrive and receive great rewards.”

What motivates Laurie each day? “When I use my skills and talents to the best of my ability to make a difference, then I know I am in the profession I was meant to be.”

McKenzie Young, RN
Beacon Children’s Hospital

For McKenzie Young, nursing is much more than a career—it has taught and shaped her in ways that stretch beyond the hospital’s walls.

“Being a nurse has taught me to be more compassionate and resilient. It’s shaped how I see people and the world. It’s taught me how to stay calm when things are chaotic and to listen, not just to respond, but to understand,” she shares. “It’s shaped the way I handle challenges, not just at work, but in my personal life, too.”

McKenzie has always enjoyed working with people and being hands-on, so “nursing seemed like a way to turn that into something meaningful.” What she discovered was a profession that would transform her understanding of human connection and purpose.

Being a nurse in the Beacon Children’s Hospital Pediatric Intensive Care Unit adds another layer of meaning, reminding her how precious and fragile life is. “The reward comes in the relationships we build with the patients, the families and the team. It’s a privilege to be trusted with something so important.”

The moments that bring her commitment into sharp focus are often quiet but powerful: when a patient smiles again after weeks of being too sick to open their eyes, or when a parent finally gets to finally hold their baby after days of not being able to. These are the moments that remind McKenzie of why she chose nursing. “Even small wins are impactful in this job.”

Each day, McKenzie is dedicated to connecting with heart. For her, that means showing up fully for her patients, just as she would for a close friend. “Not just doing a task but really seeing them as human beings. It’s about listening without rushing and remembering that even small gestures can mean a lot when someone’s going through a tough time.”

She realizes nursing requires emotional strength. “It’s demanding in ways you don’t always expect, physically, mentally and emotionally. But if you’re willing to show up for people on their worst days and find pride in small victories, it can be one of the most meaningful and rewarding professions.”

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Join our team … become a Beacon nurse

At Beacon Health System, we know that nurses play a crucial role in patient care and treatment, and we are always looking for caring, compassionate, dedicated nurses to join our patient care team. Our nurses are the backbone and the heartbeat of our health system. We value their dedication, patience, hard work and caring attitudes and are always looking for the best and brightest to become a part of Beacon. Learn more or apply for a nursing position today.