
Nurses Week is a special time to honor and celebrate the heart of healthcare — our nurses.
In the days leading up to this year’s celebration, we asked some of our dedicated frontline team members to reflect on their journey in nursing.
Below, you’ll find heartfelt insights from nurses across our System as they share what the profession means to them, their appreciation for their teammates, and their connection to an organization that allows them to follow their passion.
UHS Hospitals
Chrissy Boeltz, RN, OR:
"I decided to work at UHS as a nurse because of the amazing nursing staff that I was able to work with as a nursing assistant, who were always willing to help me in providing care to their patients. I also had the opportunity to complete my practicum during my senior year at UHS and it allowed me to see how welcoming and helpful the staff were, which made me excited to be a nurse here. Another reason I was drawn to UHS was the nurse residency program, which helped to bridge the learning and skills gap from nursing school into nursing practice."
Tammy Schuttak, NA, CVICU:
"I have been at UHS for 30 years! Getting to provide great care to our community gives me great pride. My coworkers are my family. They are supportive, funny and I enjoy coming to work."
Main Tower 4/Surgical Step Down:
"Being part of UHS means being valued for my skills and the care that I provide to my patients, being part of an amazing team, where I am welcomed, included, and respected for who I am and what I bring. It means being proud to say, I work here—because it’s not just where I work, it’s where I belong."
North Wing 4:
"Being a nurse at UHS means being part of a close-knit family where collaboration, support, and shared commitment to patient care are at the heart of everything we do. The NW4 staff takes pride in fostering a compassionate and supportive environment, where every team member is not only valued but also encouraged to grow both professionally and personally."
Amanda Tomlinson, RN, BSN, Quality Nurse Analyst for UHSH Quality Management:
"Being a Nurse at UHS is not just a job. We’re here to give our best to patients and their families when they need us most. We stand by our patients and speak up for what’s right. At UHS we’re committed to being their biggest advocates. We constantly strive to do better to ensure our care is safe and effective, and patient centered. Our patient’s deserve nothing less our commitment to the highest standards."
Jessica Almeida, NA, UHS Maternity:
"Being in a team is great, being in a good team is magic"
Megyn Lee-Yoon, RN-MNN, UHS Maternity:
"I love working at UHS Maternity because the genuine compassion here makes every shift meaningful. It’s such a privilege to support new mothers as they begin their journey with their newborns."
Sam Pardoe, RN, OR:
"I value the flexibility of my schedule and the diverse range of roles I’m able to take on in my position, which keeps my work dynamic and engaging."
Jaime Stephens, RN, South Wing 2, Ambulatory Surgery:
"At a very young age of 8 my dream was to become a nurse. When I turned my 19 this dream became a reality when I accepted my first position as a graduate nurse at UHS. I was quickly thrown into a world of opportunity where I continued to mature and learn. My career has taken me from med-surg nursing, the bustling emergency room to the beginning of life at the Birthing Center and now currently in peri operative nursing. A few years ago, I completed my Bachelor's degree for Nursing. This has helped guide me through my professional career at a higher level and promoting my personal growth and professional development as a Registered Nurse."
Crystal Lewis, RN, GI Lab:
"I know that when I walk through the doors in the morning I will be working alongside my peers and as a team we can handle anything!“
Ellen Benardes, RN, Wound Care Center:
"I am a nurse because of my desire to care, to serve and to help people. To be able to provide care and kindness for my patients at their weakest moments. I listen to my patients by providing a judgement free zone and being respectful creating a safe and trusting environment for my patients. I advocate for them by providing education and resources. Additionally, I use humor when appropriate as a stress reliver and to build a good rapport in which is all very fulfilling for me."
Marie (Lovely) Payen, MOA, ENT:
"Since I was a kid, I always dedicated myself in the service of others. Those who can't, those in need and even those who can. I studied nursing back home in Haiti, and the desire still stays with me. UHS has exceptional career opportunities, they help you on your growth journey. And, the most important thing is their focus on the care provided for everyone. Even if you are new, with no experience, they train you to be better every day. UHS is a natural fit for me!
Being a nurse or MOA at UHS is a rewarding opportunity because they value your dedication, skills and effort. They give you the opportunity to learn with hands-on experience and help to get the best out of you. For me, giving the patient the best experience while providing care is a must, which reflects UHS' goal. My motto is, Every Day is for a better you, and a better me!"
Peggy Manginell, RN, Diabetes Center:
"I am a nurse because I enjoy educating clients to ensure they are taking their meds correctly, as well as nutrition, and exercise. I also enjoy teaching new clinical staff. I gain insight by learning from my patients about their life/end of life experiences."
Memorial 3:
“Why not? For a real answer, because we are like family.” - Felicia Mens, NA.
“Over the course of the last few years, UHS has made it a priority to appreciate the employee. Leadership has become involved with the frontline staff and implements direct actions to make us feel supported and respected. It’s a circle of support that fills us with dedication to continue providing safe and quality patient care. I am a nurse, a UHS nurse, and I carry that with pride because they carry me too!” - Erna Badnjevic, RN.
“UHS provides support for continuing education and professional development with unique opportunities, mentorship, and financial assistance.” - Shannon Starkman, RN, Unit Coordinator.
“Because they have the best nursing team on Memorial 3.” - Bridget Glover, NA.
Kinzie-May McCumber, RN, Pre-Admission Testing:
"Personally, I chose UHS as my place of employment as an RN based off of multiple factors. UHS is a very welcoming entity, the staff are very supportive and are always willing to lend a hand. Another reason I chose UHS is because there are copious amounts of education and growth offered to staff- such as e-learning, certifications, and larger opportunities like working towards magnet status. Overall UHS is a very supportive place to work, it makes you feel enriched and involved, you are actually making a difference."
Megan Didas, RN, Ambulatory Surgery Center-Pre/Post Op:
"To me, being a nurse at UHS means being part of a supportive community that fosters both personal growth and professional development. It provides opportunities to evolve as a nurse while caring for and making a meaningful impact on the members of our community."
Robin McCall, RN, Pre-Admission Testing:
"UHS was my second job out of nursing school. It has become a place where I have learned so much. I have met many knowledgeable and caring people working here. I left for another learning experience, returning has felt like coming home, supported and welcomed. We are continually encouraged to learn and expand our knowledge. Knowing that your employer wants you to be the best you can be is a nice feeling. Being able to pursue growth in yourself and your field is an important thing as a nurse. It allows you to better serve your patients, community, and facility. Knowledge allows you to do your job with confidence. I believe that is what our community and patients look for in healthcare providers. A team of people that are knowledgeable and caring. That is a team I want to be a part of."
Liz McGuire, RN, ASC OR:
"I chose to work at UHS so I can serve the community which I live in and provide our patients with the best possible care."
Heather Walling, RN, PACU:
"I love working for PACU at UHS, for the variety of patients and the awesome coworkers I have."
Abby Klossner, NA, ICU:
"UHS offers a variety of opportunities for growth and advancement. UHS encourages employees for ongoing education and skill enhancements through the different programs they offer. UHS provides many different opportunities to work in various settings."
North Tower 4:
“It’s like a giant family. The people are why I’m here.”
Kelsey Smith, RN; Megan Guido, RN; Deborah De Querioz, NA; Taryn VanValen, RN; Levi Corcoran, RN; Donovan Burgher, NA; Jessica Lorefice, RN; Deanna Sanyshyn; RN; Michael Frost, RN; Rashel Swanson, RN; Amber Hoetzel, RN; and Amanda Hammond, NA, Main Tower 6:
Being a Nurse at UHS.....
"We build trust."
"We build human connections."
"We are a team"
Lance Reynolds, Mental Health Technician, Krembs 3:
"I love working at UHS because it is a place where compassionate care, professional growth, and a true sense of community come together to make a real difference in people's lives."
UHS Delaware Valley Hospital
Dawn Bellino, NA, Unit Secretary, Inpatient Medical Unit:
"Being a nursing assistant at Delaware Valley Hospital means that I get to care for people in my community and make a difference. To be a part of this wonderful team that has turned into family. "
Martha Rei, RN, Inpatient Medical Unit:
"Being an RN at DVH has allowed me to use my 20 years of nursing experience to provide compassionate, exceptional and one on one care to my patients. Not only are we a team, but we are also a family here. I can be an RN here and that is everything to me."
Lauren Marino, BSN, RN, Emergency Department and Walk-In:
"To work for UHS means to go the extra mile for your patients. In addition to providing high quality care, we at UHS strive to provide holistic care of our patients from the beginning of their care and beyond. We intend to exceed expectations by incorporating our care with empathy, commitment to our patient’s well-being, and attentiveness. Working for UHS means taking care of patients like they’re your own and having a deep dedication to keeping your community healthy."
UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital
Med Surg:
"Being a part of a team that truly cares, where every patient matters and every day makes a difference."
OR:
"To be a steady presence, making sure everything runs smoothly when it matters most."
Maternity:
"Supporting families through the joy and challenges of welcoming new life."
ICU:
"Being an ICU nurse at UHS means delivering critical care and compassion when it matters most."
ESD:
"We are nurses at UHS to bring calm to the chaos and be a light in the dark for our community"
UHS Home Care
"As a nurse at UHS home care, I get to take care of patients and their families, in their home. I get to know who they are, what they need, and what is important to them"- Benita Parks, RN.
"As a UHS home care nurse I get to help people in their homes, where they are comfortable and can heal" - Jeff Daniels, LPN.
"As a UHS home care nurse I have the ability to help patients get on the road to recovery" - Crissy Andrews, RN.
UHS Senior Living at Ideal
Sabrina Hunsinger, RN, Nurse Educator:
"Working as a nurse at Ideal Senior Living Center means being a part of a team that values compassion, dignity, and excellence in patient care. As a nurse, these are important to me because they are important to the community of residents that we serve. I was initially hired as an LPN and have worked on every unit throughout the years. I was provided with multiple opportunities to expand my roles within my scope of practice. When I made the decision to further my education and become an RN I was met with the utmost support, facility-wide. My career quickly took off after graduation. I have learned and worked in roles as an RN Supervisor, Acting Nurse Manager, Floor Nurse, Wound Care Nurse and currently as the Nurse Educator. Being in these roles has allowed me to serve our residents in various ways along their journey and continue to allow me to fall in love with Nursing at Ideal. The saying goes, if you love what you do, then you never work a day in your life."