Reflections on 40 Years in Nursing: How a Lifelong Career Shapes Perspective
- Sheila
- Feb 10
- 3 min read
Nursing is more than a job; it is a career that transforms how one sees the world. After 40 years in this profession, the lessons learned go beyond medical knowledge and technical skills. It has shaped my understanding of human resilience, compassion, and the value of life. This reflection explores how a long nursing career influences perspective, personal growth, and the way one approaches life and work.
Evolution of Nursing
You only have to look at the white uniform and nursing cap to realize that there have been ALOT of changes since I graduated from nursing school in 1983. Nursing has changed dramatically in the past 40 years. Today, advanced medical devices, electronic health records, and evidence-based protocols have transformed patient care. There have also been changes specialization and advancement of nursing care. I got a Masters in Nursing in 1989 then post-graduate education as an Nurse Practitioner in 1995. This evolution required continuous learning and adaptation. I have always valued lifelong education and understand the importance of mentors along the way. Despite all the changes over the years, the fundamental core of nursing remains the same: caring for people.
Lessons learned
One of the most profound impacts of a long nursing career is the development of empathy. Nurses witness a wide range of human experiences, from birth to death, joy to sorrow. Furthermore, the diversity of patients that nurses care for enhances their ability to empathize. Nurses interact with individuals from various backgrounds, cultures, and socioeconomic statuses, each bringing their unique stories and challenges to the healthcare setting. This exposure broadens a nurse's perspective, enabling them to appreciate the different values, beliefs, and experiences that shape a person's response to illness and life. Realize that each person is unique, created by God with their own journey to travel and story to share.
Nursing is demanding, both physically and emotionally. I worked at IU Health Methodist taking care of the sickest patients in Indiana. It was common to deal with emergencies, loss, and high workloads. I have a broad health care experience and have worked in clinical, managerial and educational roles. I've experienced dealing with patient that have mental illness, substance abuse, homelessness, and many in our society that our unable to afford health care. All of these experiences have prepared me to better serve my family and community.
Impact on Values & Perspective
A nursing career influences personal values deeply. Witnessing vulnerability and recovery changes priorities and attitudes toward life.
Strong appreciation for health and family.
Patience and humility towards others.
A sense of purpose for helping others.
The perspective gained through nursing encourages living with intention and gratitude.
Service to others
I have dedicated my life to service of patients and my community. I recently retired from IU Health but continue to volunteer as Nurse Practitioner at the St. Vincent de Paul, Gennesaret Free Clinic. I enjoy caring for patients of every ethnicity and backgrounds.
Volunteering in my community has always been important as well. I am a member of the Hendrick Country Medical Reserve Corps (HCMRC) and serve by being part of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) in case of disasters. I help with teaching Stop the Bleed and Narcan training for our community.
I serve in the Indiana Guard Reserve and volunteer for the State Defense Force for the State of Indiana.
I am involved in my church, St. Malachy in Brownsburg but also believe that faith in action is essential. I have been leading the Haiti Mission at St. Malachy for over 25 years. We have worked on many projects to improve health care in the northern region of Haiti including a medical, dental, maternity care. St. Malachy built a medical clinic and expanded the clinic to include a maternity center. We support the schools with building projects, sponsoring children tuitions and school lunch program. Fredeline is my sponsored child & she recently graduated from college as Radiology technician. Haiti Mission has promoted clean water programs which improved community health. Every project requires fundraising, collaboration and partnerships. It has shown me the importance of collaborating with others to achieve goals for improving communities.
Health care Issues:
Many issues are important to me & Hoosiers:
My views on health care are conservative. I am pro-life and believe that gender is genetically determined at conception.
I hope you enjoy this blog.
God Bless,
Sheila
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