Leading the way: 12 HCA Healthcare nurses share their stories

If you’ve ever been a patient at one of HCA Healthcare’s more than 2,400 sites of care, there’s a chance that you’ve benefitted from the skill, kindness and compassion of one of our more than 99,000 nurses.  

During National Nurses Week, we invite you to read a few stories about how nurses inspire our patients and impact healthcare everywhere.

Texas nurse cares for premature babies in the same NICU that cared for him

The compassionate care Eric Hsiao received shortly after he was born at 34 weeks at St. David’s North Austin Medical Center in Austin, Texas has come full circle. Today, he is proud to serve sick and premature babies and their families as a nurse in the same neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) that cared for him.

Growing up in Austin, Eric held a lifelong passion for making a difference in the lives of others. This dedication led him to pursue a career in healthcare and during a nursing school rotation in the St. David’s HealthCare NICU, Eric had an epiphany moment. Inspired by the care he and his family received years ago, Eric felt called to dedicate his life to helping other premature babies and their families in similar circumstances.

Eric proudly works in the Level III NICU alongside neonatologist, Dr. David Breed, who cared for Eric when he was a preemie. Eric’s experiences as a patient give him an added layer of empathy and understanding. Eric remains profoundly grateful to serve at St. David’s HealthCare where his NICU journey began.

Surprise hospital graduation ceremony for North Carolina nurse goes viral

At HCA Healthcare, we foster a culture of lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Throughout their careers, many nurses choose to pursue education opportunities to drive innovation in patient care delivery and to expand their leadership skills.

Danielle “Elle” Fox, a labor and delivery clinical nurse coordinator, has served patients at HCA Healthcare affiliate Mission Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina since 2018. “I feel incredibly supported by the team on L&D, from scrub techs, patient care techs, CNAs, nurses, doctors – it’s everyone on the floor,” said Elle. “I work with the very best team.”

In pursuit of enhancing her leadership capabilities, Elle embarked in a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program. When it came time for her Master’s graduation last month, Elle decided that she wasn’t going to travel to the ceremony several states away – even though she was named valedictorian. But that didn’t stop her Mission Hospital colleagues from throwing her a surprise hospital graduation ceremony to celebrate her achievements.

When Elle was called to her unit desk for an “emergency,” she was met by her colleagues who had made her a graduation cap, gown and chords. Fellow nurses and other members of Elle’s hospital family lined the hallway of her unit and encouraged her to walk as they cheered and clapped.  A video of the surprise graduation ceremony has since gone viral on TikTok, amassing over 5.5 million views.

Elle shared that she did not have any regrets about not attending her formal graduation ceremony. “There is nothing I would have changed other than having my husband, kids and family witness the sweetest graduation on my unit in person. I would much rather be celebrated by close friends than thousands of people I don’t know,” said Elle. “We helped bring a lot of babies into the world that day, and I was right where I was supposed to be.” 

Elle has been accepted to Johns Hopkins University and will be working toward a doctorate in nursing.

A family tie: Mother inspires children to join the medical field

Becki, Abby and Cade Lawhorne hold a strong bond – not just because they are family, but because they work together caring for patients at HCA Healthcare’s Reston Hospital Center in Reston, Virginia.

Becki, a veteran healthcare professional, joined HCA Healthcare as a labor and delivery nurse at StoneSprings Hospital Center in 2016. Her daughter, Abby, worked as a scribe in the emergency department at Reston Hospital Center before her mother joined the facility. Today, Becki serves as Reston Hospital Center’s assistant chief nursing officer. “[My daughter] says I followed her,” Becki explained. “I couldn’t wait to come here for the opportunity to grow professionally and the ability to get to know more people. It is so rewarding to be a part of a bigger work family.’”

Inspired by her mother’s nursing career, Abby is pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Chamberlain University while serving as a nurse extern at Reston Hospital Center to gain hands-on experience. The youngest Lawhorne, Cade, has always had a passion for working with others and joined Reston Hospital Center as a transporter in February 2024.

Abby and Cade are proud to work in the same hospital as their mother and follow in her footsteps. “I tell [my mom] all the time that she is my favorite person and my greatest inspiration,” Abby shared. “When people say I resemble her, it is the best compliment I could ever receive.”

Becki holds immense gratitude for the opportunity to see her children grow and discover their calling at Reston Hospital Center.

Mother’s stroke experience motivates nurse

For HCA Healthcare nurse Frandella Pierrebrown, director of medical and surgical services at HCA Florida Westside Hospital, inspiration to pursue a career in nursing was deeply rooted in her personal experiences as a young child.

As a caregiver and advocate for her late mother who battled chronic illness and passed from a stroke at the young age of 37, Frandella witnessed firsthand the vital role nurses play in patient care. It was through these transformational experiences that Frandella was called to continue caring for others through nursing.

At the bedside of her mother, Frandella realized the opportunity nurses have to bridge gaps in care with compassion and understanding while they deliver quality healthcare with expertise and skill. “My experiences led me to want to be the best possible advocate and caregiver for others in their time of need,” Frandella shared.

Frandella puts her care philosophies into action every day at the 210-bed Plantation, Florida hospital, which is certified by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration as a Comprehensive Stroke Center and by The Joint Commission as a Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center.

As she carries her mother’s memory within her heart, Frandella is dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of others not only through the care she provides as a nurse but also through stroke prevention education within her community.

Nurse’s personal non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma journey drives commitment to oncology patients

HCA Healthcare nurse Makayla Claussen cares for stem cell transplant patients at the Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at TriStar Centennial Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. She helps support patients undergoing the same treatment she received during her own battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Makayla’s personal cancer journey drives her commitment to her patients and adds a unique layer of understanding to the care she has been providing as a nurse for six years.  

“I know personally what it feels like to be a cancer patient,” Makayla stated. “I am a nurse because I have been there and these patients become my best friends.”

Patients often travel a considerable distance for specialized cancer care and must remain near the hospital for 30 days after a stem cell transplant for vital monitoring. Consequently, they frequently opt to stay at nearby hotels. Last summer, many CAR T-Cell therapy patients were staying at a local hotel when a bad storm occurred resulting in power outages—inclusive of internet access, key card use and elevators.

Makayla often uses remote technology to connect with her patients through video streaming and to monitor vital signs. With potential communication barriers, Makayla went the extra mile to ensure her patients were safe by driving to the hotel and climbing seven flights of stairs to provide care. “Makayla continued her duties with compassionate care and good humor,” said one of her patients.

In August of 2023, Makayla celebrated her one-year anniversary in her role as the first clinical nurse coordinator in the hospital’s outpatient infusion center. Her TriStar Centennial Medical Center family also helped her celebrate another meaningful milestone that month — 10 years of cancer remission.

When asked about her first year in this role, Mikayla shared, “I have found joy in learning and helping grow the role. I love that I can still work with patients and also advocate for both patients and the team.”

Kansas nurses save a fellow plane passenger’s life

Our colleagues’ desire to care for others often extends beyond the walls of our hospitals. Two Menorah Medical Center nurses recently answered the call for help at a Kansas airport when they heard an urgent request for medical help over the intercom while boarding a flight for their vacation.

Fellow passenger Jim Grasser was planning to travel to Las Vegas when he collapsed on the jetway bridge. That is when nurses Meghan Pope, manager of the hospital’s critical care unit and telemetry, and Ellyssa Coble, director of nursing operations, jumped into action. Meghan immediately started chest compressions while Ellyssa “ran the code” and helped get other passengers at bay and away from the passenger.

As Meghan became concerned that CPR was not enough for Jim, another passenger shouted that she had an AED and could lend assistance. When she heard the fellow passenger’s voice, Meghan couldn’t believe her ears and then eyes as Menorah Medical Center colleague and patient care technician Jamie Glynn sprinted their way.

Without missing a beat, Meghan and Jamie began working in tandem, completing one round of compressions and administering an AED shock, which brought the patient back to life. Shortly after, EMS arrived and transported Jim to the nearest hospital where he received additional medical attention for his condition.

“We look forward to seeing Jim again, and letting him and his wife, Kathy, know how happy we are that he’s alive,” said Meghan. “The three of us have known each other for so long, which makes this so special. Although we had no idea Jamie was on our flight, it’s not surprising to me that she would step forward with the life-saving AED. What we did that day is something we do daily. We don’t consider ourselves heroes – we were in the right place at the right time.”

Meghan and Ellyssa started their Menorah Medical Center (intensive care unit) ICU careers during the same month nearly 10 years ago. Their relationship was solidified when they realized they were woven from the same cloth and shared the same passion for learning and growing as nurses: they are their best selves when working together, caring for the most vulnerable and critical patients.

Florida nurse grows her career with HCA Healthcare

HCA Healthcare nurse Camilla Inzerilli is celebrating her first official National Nurses Week this year, but she is no stranger to the hospital that she serves.

Camilla was born at HCA Florida Brandon Hospital on October 11, 1991. She spent her childhood walking the hallways of that same hospital, admiring the dedication of two special members of its workforce – her father and mother. And, she celebrated her 21^st birthday by joining the HCA Florida Brandon Hospital as a unit secretary.

Inspired by the dedication of the nurses around her, Camilla decided to pursue a career in nursing. “What nurses often want to do is leave nursing better than when they found it. And, I know that Camilla is not only going to do what I’ve done in nursing, but she’s going to take it to a whole new level,” said Angela Lewis, a nurse leader with HCA Healthcare’s West Florida Division. “She knows how to connect with people, which is foundational to the principles of nursing. All it takes is one smile, one nice thing, to make a patient feel safe and cared for.”

Camilla received support with higher education expenses through HCA Healthcare’s tuition reimbursement program and participated in our Specialty Training Apprenticeship for Registered Nurses (StaRN) program, which allows new graduates to obtain acute care nursing experience through an intensive paid internship.

“People always ask me why I want to be a nurse,” Camilla reflects. “I want to be a nurse so that I can be good to people. I want to make a difference.” 

Camilla started officially as a nurse on October 1, 2023 – on the same unit where her mom worked prior to her retirement. Happy first National Nurses Week, Camilla!

Caring like family is a family affair  

Inside the walls of HCA Healthcare’s Lee’s Summit Medical Center, Chief Nursing Officer Paige Baker works to inspire, lead and collaborate with the nurses throughout the Missouri hospital. The integral role she plays inside the hospital parallels an equally important role in her family: mother.

Paige has always been drawn to caring for others for as long as she can remember. However, Paige’s career officially began 33 years ago on the night shift in the halls of HCA Healthcare sister-facility Research Medical Center. She worked night shifts before progressing her career to become a charge nurse, nurse manager, director and then chief nursing officer with the assistance of HCA Healthcare’s tuition reimbursement benefits before moving to Lee’s Summit Medical Center. “I still get excited walking through the halls of the hospital,” Paige shared. “I love watching new nurses gain confidence and excel in their role and experiencing the difference we make in our patient’s lives.”

Her desire to care for others is something she is proud to have passed along to her two daughters, Casey Tribble and Carley Baker. Today, Casey is a nurse practitioner at HCA Healthcare affiliate Midwest Heart and Vascular Specialist in Kansas City. She took the first step toward following in her mother’s footsteps to pursue a nursing career by obtaining a degree from HCA Healthcare’s Research College of Nursing. Carley has been a patient care tech for the past four years at the same hospital as her mother and has aspirations to become a nurse through Research College of Nursing.

Colorado nurse receives powerful letter of gratitude from patient’s family

Receiving thank you letters from patients and their families has a lasting impact on HCA Healthcare nurses. Kind words often serve as motivation to keep innovating and advocating for our patients.

From the first breath of life to a patient’s final days, our colleagues remain committed to caring for patients with compassion, respect and dignity. Claire Schneider, a surgical specialty unit clinical nurse coordinator at Swedish Medical Center in Englewood, Colorado, was recognized with a DAISY Award during National Nurses Week 2024 for the way she stood alongside a patient in her final days, while also comforting her loved ones.

Please read the moving, unedited testimonial we recently received from a patient’s daughter about the care that Claire provided: 

“My mom was admitted to the 9th floor on March 15th, 2024. After a week of tests, challenging conversations and heartbreaking discoveries, my mom was transitioned into hospice care. I’m writing today to celebrate an exceptional professional who walked alongside our family as we navigated this unimaginable difficult time. Claire Schneider is an angel on Earth and has been an exemplary nurse; artfully balancing empathy with professionalism, consistently going above and beyond to make sure my mom’s care is top notch while also ensuring my dad and I feel cared for, informed, and empowered as decision makers. Here are just a FEW examples of how Claire blew us away during our 4-week stay:

1) During a rapid response, she engaged me in the process of treating my mom to hold the oxygen mask on her and talk to her. This made me feel useful and engaged and allowed me to be close to mom in a really, really scary and life-changing moment. Claire made me feel like an important part of the team.

2) Post PET scan, when mom was dry-heaving, Claire brought us peppermint oil-soaked gauze to hold by mom- what a creative way to treat a symptom outside of the traditional medical paradigm. Uniquely brilliant! 

3) Even when Claire was not working, she checked in with staff to make sure we were taken care of (I know boundaries are important and so does she), even sending dad and I comfort trays.

4) Claire flawlessly coordinated mom’s complex care, making sure all Swedish staff and hospice staff were informed and collaborating well- such an underrated skill in this field!

5) Claire printed out copies of my mom’s heartbeat for my dad and I. There are no words that are sufficient in describing how much this gesture and all of the love and care Claire gave us means to my family.

We are eternally grateful for Claire’s compassion, creativity, dedication, proactive approach and deep empathy in her treatment of my family as we endured the last excruciating weeks of my mama’s life. Mom loved Claire and dad and I consider her a part of our family now. Please celebrate Claire in the way she deserves!”

Related article (Denver 7): Local nurse goes above and beyond for local family through heartbeat printout

To nurses across HCA Healthcare, thank you for providing the quality and compassionate care that makes a difference for everyone we serve.