Many nurses can point to a moment in time when they felt the calling. The calling to do something more and help others.
National Nurses Week begins each year on May 6th and ends on May 12th, Florence Nightingale's birthday. Florence Nightingale was a caring nurse and leader and is known as the founder of modern nursing.
Nurses Week is a chance to recognize the important role nurses play in healthcare. We are very grateful for the nurses in our CU Medicine clinics and the exceptional care they provide.
We asked several nurses what they enjoy about being a nurse and why they became a nurse. Here are the responses we received:
Karen Carlson, BSN, RN, and Heather Gotaas, BSN, RN, CU Medicine Obstetrics and Gynecology – Highlands Ranch
Jenny Brooks, BSN, RN, CU Medicine Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Highlands Ranch
“I am originally from Texas, and have been in the great state of Colorado for 8 years. I just celebrated my 5th anniversary with CU Medicine. I have worked in reconstructive surgery for over 10 years, and a foundation in critical care. It’s my privilege to help breast cancer patients at the end of their long journey to feeling whole again and heal from the ravages of breast cancer. The care provided to these patients is not limited to the physical; it entails psychological support and education as well. It’s exciting to be part of an expanding practice, offering more reconstruction options to the community.”
Mary Sokolowski, BSN, RN, CU Medicine General Surgery
Kit Grant, BSN, CU Medicine Cardiology – Highlands Ranch
“I wanted to be a nurse after my father fell ill when I was 11. The nurses were so kind to me and my four sisters and mom, I knew that was what I wanted to do. He did pass when I was 13, but the seed had been planted – and I never forgot my dream to become a nurse – to help others.”
Jenn Meek, BSN, CU Medicine Cardiology – Highlands Ranch
Marisol Calzadillas, BSN, RN, CU Medicine Family Medicine – Centennial
Statement From: Cristine Gentert, MSN, RN, Practice Manager CU Medicine Family Medicine – Centennial & Landmark
Dawn Kalil, BSN CU Medicine Endocrinology, Interventional Radiology, and Vascular Surgery clinics – Highlands Ranch
Statement From: Nurse Leader Danielle Rumbold, RN, CNC
“Dawn has mentioned that this is not the career path that she thought she would land in. Many years later and as many as a nurse this was where she was supposed to be. Dawn is loved by her physicians and I often her them say “we love our nurse Dawn, she is very thorough and we do not ever want to lose her”. Dawn is loved by her patients and providers and is a large reason why her clinics have very high patient satisfaction scores. She shows unbelievable compassion, provides great care and will go to many lengths to make sure her patients are given extraordinary care.”
Kailyn Hensler, BSN: CU Medicine Orthopedics and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation – Highlands Ranch
Statement From: Nurse Leader Danielle Rumbold, RN, CNC
“Kailyn is one of the very best team players I have had the pleasure of supervising. She gives 120% each day through her compassion, dedication to her patients, providers and fellow coworkers. I often receive recognition from many of her coworkers and above all the highest praises from her providers. I want to share what one of her physicians said about her “I think Kailyn is exceptional, she knows how to deal with patients and goes the extra mile for patients and providers. I believe that our RN/ATC combo are the best in the system and by far the best I’ve ever worked with.” we could not be luckier to have her."
Shelby Dietrich, BSN, RN, Director of Clinical Operations, CU Medicine Family Medicine – Depot Hill
Do you have a nurse you’d like to recognize? We encourage you to thank them in person, with a note, or you can leave a post on our Facebook page or share your experience here.