National Nurses Week; Our family caring for your family

This is National Nurses Week. At Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH), two- or four-year degree Registered Nurses (RNs) are welcome to help fulfill the hospital mission of “Our Family Caring for Your Family.” The career of nursing offers many opportunities right here in this small critical access hospital.

Nurses are needed to not only care for the patients who are admitted into the hospital, but are also needed in the Emergency Room, Birthing Center, Surgery, Medical Clinics, Infection Control, Education, Informatics, as well as out in the homes through Community and Home Care.

“Nursing is a wonderful, fulfilling career where you can truly help others, even right here near home where our family cares for your family,” states Jayne McCormick, RN, Chief Nursing Officer. “Our hours are flexible and guaranteed, wages and benefits are competitive, environment is friendly, enjoyable and the career opportunities are endless. We encourage our area youth to visit with us to learn more about this incredible career and all of the opportunities.”

The following quotes are shared from nurses in various departments at Veterans Memorial Hospital on why they became nurses and why they work at Veterans Memorial Hospital:
Katie Rathbun, RN/BSN, Home Care Nurse, from Monona states, “I knew I wanted to work at VMH after doing my clinicals here. It’s an honor to care for people in their home and a privilege to be trusted to come into their ‘safe place’ and help care for them. There are many departments and ways to use a medical nursing degree. If you are not happy, branch out. That’s the beauty of nursing.”

Hannah Hennessey, ER Nurse from Waukon, explains, “I have always loved helping others and I wanted to make an impact on other people’s lives. I chose to work at VMH because I love caring for my community that I’ve always been a part of. Also, my co-workers are now considered family and that’s not something you come across at many other places. Always strive to learn something new, take care of yourself so you can take care of others, and be an advocate!”

Mara Knudtson, Med Surg and OB Nurse of Decorah states, “I like to help people so I got my C.N.A. certification. When I started college, I went for pre-med, but realized I wanted to be more hands-on so I changed my major to nursing. I was working at another hospital, but they discontinued delivering babies and I really wanted to keep working in OB, so I applied at different hospitals. VMH was where everyone was the friendliest, so I came here! I stay because the staff is so nice. We are like family.”

Marissa Shelton, Med Surg and OB Nurse, of Waukon adds, “I chose nursing because I grew up having a mom for a nurse. When I moved back to Iowa from Colorado, I chose to work at VMH because Mom also works here and always has positive things to say, plus working in Waukon keeps me close to family. I stay here because I enjoy the people and it’s great to work close to home. The nursing field has endless opportunities and you always have the option to advance your career.”

Jordyn Burroughs, RN Med Surg and OB Nurse from New Albin adds, “I chose Nursing because I have always enjoyed caring for people and I am able to make a difference in people’s lives. All of the staff here went above and beyond to make my clinic rotation at VMH such a learning experience. I knew I wanted to be a part of this healthcare team! I stay here for the friendly work environment and being able to care for those in our community. Nursing is a career that has an endless amount of opportunities and there is always something new to learn every day!”

Morgan Van Ruler, Med Surg and OB Nurse, of Waukon states, “I thought I wanted to be a pediatrician or physical therapist, but I realized I wanted to spend more time with patient care, so I chose nursing. I wanted to work with family and friends in my community, so I chose to work at VMH! It is a great work environment, great staff and I get to help patients I know. Choose Nursing - the work you do will make a difference and is very rewarding!”

Jacqueline Welch, Surgery Nurse from Waukon describes, “I had an interest in medicine and a desire to help people so I went into nursing. I chose to work at VMH for the people and the fact it is close to home. There are many different opportunities and directions to take with a career in healthcare! It is very rewarding work!”

Emily Kinley, Med Surg and OB Nurse, of Monona, states, “I became a nurse because I enjoy helping others in need. Nursing also provides job stability and opportunities for career growth. I enjoy working at VMH because I’m always learning something new and using new skills working in various departments. I also enjoy being able to self schedule my work days. The best part about working at VMH is the staff we have, everyone is like family and always willing to help one another.”

Laura Wiltgen, Surgery Nurse from Decorah, adds, “Nursing is very rewarding and the possibilities are endless. I chose to work at VMH because the staff were so welcoming and friendly when I did my clinicals here. I stay because I love my co-workers. I love helping people and continuing to learn daily. My advice is to chase your dreams and apply for that dream job, even as a new grad!”

Shaina Kruger, Postville Clinic Nurse, states, “I knew at a young age I wanted to work in the healthcare field. My ultimate goal was to be a nurse. I wanted to make a difference in someone’s life. I chose to work at VMH because my community is #1! It takes work and dedication, but it is so worth it when you make an impact on someone’s life!”

For more information on nursing careers at Veterans Memorial Hospital, contact Kate Landt, Human Resources Director at 563-568-3411.