As a nurse, daughter, mother, and wife, I have taken care of others all my life. My caring spirit began in middle school as a candy striper. A solid nursing foundation was built as a Licensed Practical Nurse in high school. While my friends were hanging out, I was taking rectal temperatures and handing out bedpans. From a large Irish family, I knew how to care and fight for what I believed in. I am a nurse who cares.

Thinking this was a great career, I continued on to receive my bachelor's degree. I am a nurse who delivers quality care with compassion and kindness. As a daughter at age 23, I cared for my Mother at home as she passed away of ovarian cancer. Then at 27, I cared for my Father as he passed away of lung cancer. Taking care of others is what I know best, I am a nurse who cares.

Luckily, I meet the man of my dreams and figured I was done with bedpans. Not so fast, bedpans were traded in for dirty diapers, I had 4 children in 5 years. Years later, my husband, Jim, was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor. Caring for someone you love is painful. Care is provided with trust, respect, and love. The man I loved, married, and shared 26 years with, died in my arms at home. I am a nurse who cares.

When you look for someone to care for you or a loved one, look for a nurse who cares.