The Power of Nurses: 30+ Years of Care in Action
During National Nurses Week 2026 (May 6–12), HaysMed is honored to spotlight nurses with 30+ years of experience, professionals who have witnessed change, faced challenges head-on, and continued to lead with compassion. Their stories reflect the true power of nursing and the lasting impact it has on lives, families, and our community.
“Nurses at HaysMed serve in far more than clinical roles - educators, mentors, leaders, advocates, innovators, and patient champions. This versatility is the power behind our care. As we celebrate Nurses Week, I am honored to work with the HaysMed nurses whose diverse roles strengthen our teams, our patients, and our community.” - Jana Zeller, HaysMed Director of Professional Development
What’s something you appreciate more now than you did early in your career?
“Early in my career I was focused on perfecting my skills and tasks at hand, but as time went on, I appreciated the personal aspect more, like listening, consoling and simply being present for patients during their challenging and vulnerable moments.”
What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received from a patient or family member?
“The most meaningful compliments I received were not necessarily based on skills or technique, but rather on the emotional impact or how I made them feel. I would say the best compliment I received was from a family member letting me know that I made the end of life process easier on them, showing them compassion and making them feel at peace as well as allowing their loved one to pass with dignity and respect.”
Would you rather have never-ending coffee or never-ending patience?
“If I am being honest, I'd choose never-ending patience.”
What advice do you give new nurses or healthcare workers who are just starting out?
“There are no dumb questions. It is okay to ask for help. Don't sweat the small stuff. Give yourself grace. And most importantly, learning in nursing is a lifetime process.”