National Nurses Week 2026: 17 Inspiring nurse stories from HCA Healthcare

During National Nurses Week 2026, celebrated May 6-12, we recognize the incredible impact nurses make — for patients, for each other and for the communities they serve.

This year, the American Nurses Association marks its 130th anniversary with the theme “The Power of Nurses.” It’s a fitting tribute. At HCA Healthcare, we see that power in action every day — in lives saved, comfort provided and the care that moves patients forward.

Earlier today, Erica Rossitto, HCA Healthcare senior vice president and chief nurse executive shared a message with nurses across our organization to kick off National Nurses Week 2026:

As we celebrate Nurses Week, I want to pause and recognize the extraordinary impact you make every day.

Nursing is the foundation of who we are at HCA Healthcare. It is evident in the way you show up, with compassion, clinical excellence and an unwavering commitment to doing what is right for those in your care, and for one another.

You are part of something remarkable — more than 100,000 nurses strong. Together, you represent one of the most powerful nursing communities in the world. This strength is seen in your support of each other, your shared purpose and the collective impact you make across every facility, every shift, every day.

I see your dedication in the moments that matter most, when you advocate, when you lead and when you bring calm to uncertainty and strength to challenge. The work you do requires not only skill, but also heart, resilience and courage.

We are committed to listening, learning and standing alongside you as we continue to advance our Nurse Forward vision and strengthen the environments where you practice.

Please know how deeply grateful I am for each of you. Thank you for the difference you make, for the standards you uphold and for the way you represent our profession with integrity and pride.

It is an honor to serve with you. Happy Nurses Week!

Erica Rossitto, MBA/HCM, BSN, RN, NEA-BC
HCA Healthcare Senior Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive

Below, meet HCA Healthcare nurses from across our network of care and hear the stories that bring the power of nursing to life.

Nurse performs hands-only CPR for 8 minutes, saving the life of her neighbor (Florida)

When Tom Schaefer’s heart suddenly stopped, it wasn’t inside a hospital — it was at home. And it was his neighbor, HCA Florida Healthcare nurse Tori Walker, who made the difference.

Tori didn’t hesitate when Tom’s son came to her door in the middle of the night asking for help. Within moments, the emergency department nurse was at Tom’s side and recognized the severity of the situation. He was unconscious and barely breathing. As 911 was called, she immediately began hands-only CPR, continuing compressions for nearly eight minutes until emergency responders arrived. In those critical moments, her training and instinct to act helped keep Tom alive.

Paramedics continued lifesaving measures, including CPR and the use of an AED and transported Tom to HCA Florida Northside Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida, where Tori works. The hospital was recently named one of America’s 250 Best Hospitals by Healthgrades.

Did you know it takes two steps to save a life? 1. Call 911. 2. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest. Learn more about hands-only CPR on the American Heart Association’s website.

With Tom in cardiac arrest, a specialized care team quickly took over, and an interventional cardiologist opened a blocked artery and placed a stent. After close monitoring in the intensive care unit, Tom made a remarkable recovery and was able to walk out of the hospital.

While his outcome was the result of a full continuum of care, Tori’s role was vital in those first moments. “I don’t like to think that I saved his life,” she said. “I had a hand in it, because there were several things — from the ER staff to the first responders, to the cath lab and on.”

In October 2025, Tori’s actions were recognized during a special reunion at the hospital that brought together Tom, first responders and care teams. She received the American Heart Association’s National Heartsaver Award.

For Tori, stepping in to help is simply part of who she is as a nurse. For Tom and his family, it’s something more. It’s the reason he’s here today — a second chance made possible by someone who was ready to act when it mattered most.

Nurse’s career spans decades of caring for her community (Texas)

At Medical City Lewisville, HCA Healthcare nurse and house supervisor Phyllis Akins has built a career defined by growth, learning and connection — all while caring for the Lewisville, Texas community her hospital has served for 50 years.

Over the years, Phyllis has grown alongside the hospital by advancing her education from an associate degree to a bachelor’s degree and ultimately a master’s degree in healthcare. She credits HCA Healthcare’s educational benefits and the support of her colleagues for helping make that possible. “They worked around my work schedule and encouraged me,” she shared. “Without them, I couldn’t be where I am today.”

Her journey mirrors the evolution of the hospital itself. Phyllis joined the team just two months after it opened and has taken on a variety of roles since, including a vocational nurse and charge nurse in the intensive care unit — wherever she was needed most. Throughout her career, Phyllis has seen the hospital transform from a small one-floor facility to the full-service acute-care hospital it is today serving several counties with a Level III Trauma Center, Level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), Level II Maternal Center, Primary Stroke Center and Magnet®-recognized nursing program.

Having spent her career at a hospital close to home, Phyllis has cared for generations of families — from parents to their children and now even their grandchildren. “I’ve cared for a lot of our community,” she said. “I’ve known their children, gone to school with them, cared for their parents, and now care for them.”

Beyond patient care, it’s the relationships she’s built along the way that stands out most. “What I think about over the past 50 years is all the friends I’ve worked with,” she shared. “I enjoy coming in, meeting new nurses and continuing to provide the care we have here — helping and healing.”

Family letter highlights impact of NICU nurses (Tennessee)

Inside the Level III NICU at HCA Healthcare’s TriStar Centennial Children’s Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee, nurses recently paused to read a heartfelt letter from a patient’s family. The words reflected the impact of compassionate care during one of the family’s most vulnerable times.

“When our daughter Aubrey was born at just 24 weeks, weighing 15 ounces, our world stopped,” the family wrote. “Fear set in fast. We didn’t know what the next hour would bring, let alone the next day. But from the moment we entered the NICU at TriStar Centennial, we were met not with just care, but with compassion, knowledge and unwavering support.”

For NICU nurses, moments like this reflect the deep connections formed with families during uncertain times.

From life-saving care to celebrating milestones with crafts that families like Aubrey’s can treasure for years, the work of NICU nurses extends far beyond the bedside. Aubrey’s story, and the gratitude her family shared, are a powerful reminder of the difference nurses make every day, especially in the moments that matter most.

From sterile processing technician to operating room nurse (Georgia)

Samantha Johnson didn’t wait for opportunity — she built it. Starting as a sterile processing technician at HCA Healthcare’s Doctors Hospital of Augusta in Georgia and working her way into the operating room, she turned her curiosity about patient care into a clear path forward, using education as the bridge at each step.

She joined the HCA Healthcare family in 2020, drawn to the clinical environment and eager to build a future in healthcare. While supporting patient care behind the scenes, she pursued her associate degree in surgical technology, supported by HCA Healthcare’s tuition reimbursement program. That step opened the door to her next role as a surgical technologist and inspired an even bigger goal.

Determined to expand her impact, Samantha set her sights on nursing school. This time, she leveraged HCA Healthcare’s student loan repayment program to help make that goal possible. In March 2025, she achieved a major milestone, graduating with a Master of Science in Nursing from Augusta University and becoming an operating room nurse.

Now thriving in her role, Samantha is passionate about encouraging others to follow a similar path. “Don’t be discouraged,” she said. “Utilize the resources [HCA Healthcare] has available because everyone here wants to see you grow and be great. Take advantage of every opportunity you have.”

Did you know? In 2025, HCA Healthcare provided more than $40 million in tuition assistance and over $10 million toward student loan assistance to eligible colleagues across the country.

Father and son duo carry forward a legacy of care (Colorado)

Nursing is more than a profession for HCA Healthcare nurses Ryan and Daniel Thornton. It is a calling that spans generations, roles and perspectives.

Ryan Thornton, president and CEO of HCA HealthONE Mountain Ridge in Thorton, Colorado, began his career at the bedside more than 25 years ago. From a U.S. Air Force nurse to leadership roles within HCA Healthcare’s Continental Division, his path has been shaped by both hands-on care and a commitment to growth.

That perspective has been strengthened by HCA Healthcare’s Leadership Institute, which equips leaders across our organization with the skills to guide teams, strengthen collaboration and elevate patient care. “It helped me better understand my strengths and take intentional next steps in my career,” shared Ryan. He is a graduate of the Leadership Institute’s Executive Development Program.

Less than 20 miles away, his son Daniel is carving out his own path within HCA Healthcare. Recently promoted to a clinical nurse coordinator at HCA HealthONE Aurora in Aurora, Daniel’s journey into nursing was personal, guided by the care his family received and inspired by his father’s example. “I learned so much from my dad when it comes to nursing and how I act in the profession,” Daniel shared. “He’s never afraid of wearing scrubs and helping at the bedside. If a leader rounds on the unit in scrubs and doesn’t hesitate to jump in and help out, the nurses and care teams will never forget it, and will respect you.”

For Ryan, watching his son carry forward the family’s nursing legacy is deeply meaningful. “It brings everything full circle,” he said. “It reinforces just how impactful this work is — not only for our patients, but for those who choose to dedicate their lives to it.”

Nurse goes the extra mile to ensure voices are heard (Virginia)

One patient interaction inspired a new way to enhance patient-centered care at HCA Healthcare’s Reston Hospital Center in Reston, Virginia.

In the emergency department, HCA Healthcare nurse Sarah Owensby cared for a patient who arrived with police and was not speaking. Sarah approached the situation with compassion. When traditional actions didn’t prompt a response from the patient, Sarah paused — realizing the standard approach wasn’t going to work. Drawing on her background working with children with special needs, she responded with curiosity and care — focusing not on getting answers, but on creating connection.

“I intentionally sat next to him and focused first on building rapport,” Sarah shared. “I wanted to reduce any pressure to respond verbally and let him set the pace.” As she calmly introduced herself and created a quieter, less overwhelming environment, Sarah noticed subtle responses, including eye contact, facial expressions and eventually head nods. Recognizing the patient might need an alternative way to communicate, she adapted her approach.

Using simple tools like a communication board, along with yes-or-no questions and extra time, Sarah built trust. As the patient became more comfortable, communication improved — allowing the care team to better understand his needs and reconnect him with his family. “That moment stayed with me,” Sarah shared. “It started with one patient, but it showed how important it is to meet people where they are.”

Inspired by the experience, Sarah developed a sensory cart for the emergency department, equipping colleagues with tools like fidget items, weighted lap pads and visual aids to support patients with communication barriers or sensory sensitivities. Her efforts, supported by hospital leadership, have expanded the team’s ability to connect with patients in meaningful ways — ensuring more patients feel understood, respected and cared for in ways that works best for them.

A nurse championing mental health (United Kingdom)

“As a mental health first aider, I’m here to listen, reassure and guide, reminding everyone that no one has to face things alone.”

For Saeed Mahmoud, a staff nurse at The Wilmslow Hospital, part of HCA Healthcare UK, supporting others goes beyond patient care. In addition to his nursing role, Saeed volunteers as one of more than 100 mental health first aiders across HCA Healthcare UK, helping foster a workplace where people feel seen, heard and supported.

That can look like checking in on a colleague who may be having a difficult day or simply being a trusted, friendly ear. “As a nurse, naturally, I spend a lot of time talking to people in different roles across the hospital,” Saeed said. “If you see someone who seems to be struggling, we ask if we can help or support them in any way and then connect them with the right support.”

HCA Healthcare UK’s mental health first aiders are trained and accredited by Mental Health First Aid England, serving as confidential points of contact for colleagues experiencing a mental health issue, emotional distress or who simply need someone to talk to. Whether it’s an initial conversation or helping someone find appropriate resources, their role is to ensure colleagues feel supported — not to diagnose or treat, but to listen and support. To prepare for the volunteer role, colleagues complete a two-day certified training program, with costs fully covered by HCA Healthcare UK. The certification is valid for two years, with ongoing refresher training required to ensure colleagues can continue to provide informed, effective support.

Saeed sees this work as a natural extension of his role as a nurse. “Knowing someone cares can make all the difference,” he said. Through colleagues like Saeed, HCA Healthcare continues to build an environment where caring for one another is just as important as caring for patients.

Mother and daughters share a calling to care (Georgia)

At HCA Healthcare’s Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah, Georgia, nursing isn’t just a profession for Lori Conaway and her daughters — it’s a calling rooted in compassion and family.

Lori, an assistant chief nursing officer, has spent 35 years in nursing, including 32 with Memorial Health. “From a young age, I’ve always wanted to help people,” she shared. “Being there for someone during a tough moment or crisis really energizes me. I feel lucky to have a career that I genuinely love and that makes a difference.”

That passion didn’t stop with her. Today, two of her daughters, Autumn and Lauren, work alongside her as nurses in the same hospital where they were born. “It makes me really proud and happy,” Lori said. “They get to feel that same sense of purpose and fulfillment in their work, and as a parent, that’s what you want for your kids — to find something that brings them joy.”

Inspired by her mother, Autumn found her place in the intensive care unit (ICU) in 2020. “I knew I wanted to care for people in a way that truly makes a difference,” she said. “I have a deep passion for helping others, particularly those who are critically ill. I wanted to care for the sickest of the sick, and I can’t imagine myself anywhere else.”

Lauren followed in January 2024, also driven by her mother’s example. “Today, she continues to inspire me as I strive to provide a sense of calm and comfort to my patients during their most difficult moments,” she said. “Being born here and now working here, it’s the ultimate full-circle experience.”

Working together has strengthened both their bond and their purpose. “Having my mom and sister by my side only makes the opportunity to give back to this community more special,” Lauren shared.

For Lori, it’s deeply personal. “It pushes me to keep showing up every day focused on creating a culture where nurses can do their best work and provide great care.” Autumn added, “Although our roles are different, we are deeply connected through the care we provide.”

U.S. Army veteran continues serving others with purpose (Texas)

For Stephanie Phillips, the commitment to care began long before she stepped into an HCA Healthcare hospital — it started during her service as an intelligence analyst in the U.S. Army.

In that role, she analyzed complex information and supported decision-making in high-pressure environments. The experience required discipline, focus and the ability to stay steady amid uncertainty — skills that now shape her work as a nurse at HCA Houston Healthcare Pearland in Pearland, Texas.

“Both paths are rooted in service, accountability and trust,” Stephanie said. “The Army allowed me to contribute to something larger than myself, while nursing gives me the opportunity to make a direct impact on individuals and families each day.”

That foundation is especially valuable in healthcare settings where conditions can change quickly. Stephanie remains calm under pressure, thinks critically and stays a step ahead, helping ensure patients feel safe, heard and supported in vulnerable moments.

Her approach is also grounded in teamwork. “I’m always thinking a step ahead and advocating for what my patients need,” she said. “Everyone plays a critical role in the outcome.”

Whether in a military uniform or scrubs, Stephanie’s commitment to service continues to guide how she shows up each day for her patients, her colleagues and her community. Through her experience, she brings a unique perspective to nursing shaped by resilience, adaptability and a deep sense of purpose.

Nurse leaders inspire the next generation through literacy (Florida)

HCA Healthcare nurses Steven Mountjoy, Cheng Zhu and Albert Rios are making a difference beyond the walls of HCA Florida Westside Hospital in Plantation, Florida, supporting the next generation through literacy.

During a local elementary school’s “Real Men Read” event, the three clinicians volunteered their time to read to students and serve as positive role models in the classroom.

For Steven Mountjoy, a nurse manager in the hospital’s progressive care unit, the experience reinforced how early encouragement shapes a child’s future. “It promotes the importance of reading among younger generations while encouraging a positive and engaging attitude toward learning,” he said. Steven chose to read Thank You, Mr. Falker to the class, a story that highlights the powerful impact educators can have on a child’s life.

Cheng Zhu, a director of nursing of telemetry and central monitoring, selected a book he said introduces students to the “rich cultures, families and traditions in Africa.” By sharing stories that broaden understanding, he aimed to help students learn more about the world around them.

Albert Rios, a nurse manager of telemetry and central monitoring, emphasized the deeper connection between literacy and long-term health. “Without a strong foundation in reading, it’s difficult to build health literacy,” he explained. “And that directly impacts how individuals care for themselves and their families.”

By spending time in the classroom, these nurses extended their role as caregivers into the community —building confidence, curiosity and skills that support lifelong well-being. Through simple moments like reading a book, they help create healthier tomorrows.

From mentor to colleague: A nurse and her niece (Missouri)

Throughout her career at Lafayette Regional Health Center, HCA Healthcare nurse Kim Leakey has been a steady source of inspiration for colleagues, community members and fellow nurses.

Serving as the hospital’s chief nursing officer for more than 20 years, Kim brings integrity, compassion and a deep commitment to meeting the unique challenges of rural healthcare.

For 75 years, Lafayette Regional Health Center has served patients across rural Missouri, becoming a vital part of the community. In 2004, it was designated a critical access hospital by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), underscoring its essential role in providing access to care. Leaders like Kim have helped shape that legacy, ensuring patients receive high-quality, compassionate care close to home.

Among the many people Kim has influenced, the bond she shares with her niece, Leslyn Berg, is especially meaningful. As a fifth grader, Leslyn once chose her aunt for a career day interview, inspired by her work as a nurse.

Today, Leslyn works as a nurse in the emergency department and post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) at the same hospital where her aunt built her career — one rooted in service, leadership and a dedication to developing others. Kim is widely respected for supporting her teams and fostering an environment where both patients and colleagues can thrive.

Reflecting on their shared journey, Kim said it is deeply meaningful to now work alongside her niece. “At the time, I didn’t realize we would one day be caring for the same patients side by side,” she said. “Sharing a passion for nursing and caring for others has made that journey even more special.

Nurse returns to the hospital where her story began (California)

HCA Healthcare nurse and clinical rehab specialist Jennifer Logsdon’s connection to Los Robles Regional Medical Center began at birth. She and her sister were born at the Thousand Oaks, California hospital six weeks early, needing specialized care.

Her mother, who already had a 4-year-old at home, remembers the experience clearly — especially the compassion and support she received from the nurses during delivery and throughout the twins’ stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), where Jennifer was treated for breathing challenges and jaundice.

Today, Los Robles Regional Medical Center’s Level III NICU is equipped to provide advanced, life-sustaining care for premature and critically ill infants. Its specialized team — including neonatologists, neonatal nurses and respiratory therapists — is trained to care for patients like Jennifer once was.

Throughout her nursing education, Jennifer returned to the hospital to train in a variety of departments and units, including the NICU. After graduating in 2023, she joined Los Robles Rehabilitation Hospital as a night nurse in the acute rehabilitation unit before advancing to her current role as a clinical rehab specialist.

Recently, Jennifer found herself at Los Robles Regional Medical Center once again — this time as a patient, welcoming her own daughter into the world. “Coming back as a patient felt like a full-circle moment and a testament to the dedication we have as caregivers to provide care like family,” she said. “Who knows — maybe my daughter will one day feel called to nursing, too.”

Nurse guides patients through high-risk pregnancies (Texas)

For patients navigating high-risk pregnancies, HCA Healthcare nurse Melanie Woods is there as a steady guide and source of support. As a nurse navigator at HCA Healthcare affiliate St. David’s Women’s Center of Texas in Austin, Melanie helps patients understand what’s ahead, coordinates care and ensures they never feel alone.

Her role is rooted in guidance and connection. From diagnosis through delivery and beyond, she works closely with patients, families and care teams to make complex situations feel more manageable. “The navigator role brought me back to women’s health where I can advocate, support, educate and lift up the women I serve during one of the most vulnerable times of their lives,” she shared.

For Melanie, being a nurse means showing up in a way that builds trust and reassurance. “Being that mama bear that will protect fiercely because patients want to know they are safe and someone has their back.”

Behind the scenes, her work is constant — building trust, guiding families through difficult decisions and working alongside care teams every step of the way. “We put our heart and soul into it,” she said.

Melanie’s approach is shaped by nearly two decades with St. David’s HealthCare. She began her career as a new graduate nurse in the neonatal intensive care unit and has continued to grow into a role where she can make a lasting impact. Today, she helps patients feel informed, supported and cared for during some of the most critical moments of their lives.

A mother and daughter building a nursing legacy through education (Florida)

For Michelle Shebloski and her daughter Dani Pirkle, nursing isn’t just a career — it’s a shared path. At HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital,  they are building a family legacy in healthcare through education, experience and a commitment to grow.  

Both began their careers as emergency medical technicians (EMTs) before transitioning to nursing. Today, they serve in leadership roles within the same hospital, continuing to develop professionally while investing in the next generation of caregivers. “I’ve always been proud of her from day one,” Michelle said of her daughter.

For Dani, a manager of the hospital’s surgical care unit, education has been central to that growth. “When I became an EMT, that’s when I really fell in love with emergency medicine,” Dani told Get the Coast. Working in the field taught her to think quickly, act decisively and build confidence in high-pressure situations, ultimately inspiring her transition into nursing.

While working full-time as an emergency room nurse and raising her first child, she completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing through Galen College of Nursing’s RN to BSN program. “This was a great program for me,” she said. “It gave me the flexibility I needed to succeed.”  She later earned her Master of Nursing in Executive Leadership through Chamberlain University, taking advantage of HCA Healthcare’s tuition reimbursement benefits, a decision that allowed her to expand her impact beyond the bedside.

Michelle shares that same commitment to lifelong learning as the hospital’s director of patient safety and risk management. She is currently enrolled in Galen College of Nursing’s RN to BSN program and is nearly finished. For her, advancing her education is not just about career progression, but about staying connected to the evolving needs of patient care and leadership.

Together, they highlight how accessible education pathways make it possible for nurses at any stage of life to grow. “Don’t stop educating yourself — continue on, keep going,” Michelle said.

From coworkers to partners in life and care (Utah)

HCA Healthcare’s Lone Peak Hospital in Draper, Utah, became the backdrop for a love story when two nurses, Madyson “Maddy” Smith, and Bart Hansen, met while working night shifts on the hospital’s medical-surgical unit.

Maddy joined the HCA Healthcare in September 2022 as a new graduate, stepping into her first nursing role with a passion for caring for others. She was drawn to nursing by her desire to connect with patients and their families and to provide compassionate care as if they were her own.

Bart arrived a little over a year later, transferring in December 2023 from the behavioral health unit at HCA Healthcare’s Mountain View Hospital in Payson, Utah. It didn’t take long for Maddy to notice his dedication. “He really likes taking care of people,” she said. “He spends a lot of time with his patients and is so patient with them.”

As they got to know each other, their connection grew. Soon they were bonding over shared interests like camping, hunting and fishing.

Their relationship deepened as they supported one another both personally and professionally. Maddy continued her education, earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing through HCA Healthcare’s partnership with Galen College of Nursing. Bart was recognized with the DAISY Award for his compassionate care and ability to make patients feel safe, heard and valued.

Shortly after Maddy’s graduation, Bart proposed during a trip to the Oregon coast. The couple married in the summer of 2025, embracing a fitting tagline for their story: “All because two nurses fell in love.”

Today, they share a life in Millcreek, Utah, and both now serve at HCA Healthcare’s St. Mark’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. Together, they care for patients and continue building a life rooted in the same purpose that brought them together.

A nurse dedicated to generations of care (North Carolina)

With 28 years of nursing experience, HCA Healthcare nurse Cresta McLaughlin has become a steady and trusted presence for patients at Mission Health Center Sugar Hill. Over the course of her career, she cared for generations of families in the Marion, North Carolina community, building relationships that extend far beyond a single visit.

Today, much of Cresta’s work centers on preventative care, helping patients manage chronic conditions like diabetes and ensuring they receive important screenings. Her attention to detail and focus on quality plays a key role in improving outcomes and supporting long-term health.

Her experience across care settings, from intensive care to ambulatory care, also prepares her for the unexpected. “I have seen firsthand the direct results of providing care to our community, which is incredibly rewarding,” Cresta shared. “You are the steady hand that patients and families depend on.”

For Cresta, nursing has always been rooted in both skill and compassion. After nearly three decades, her perspective has evolved from managing critical moments to supporting community health in North Carolina.

“Showing up after 28 years is an act of dedication and pride, honoring the commitment I made at the beginning of my career,” she said. For Cresta, quality care means treating every patient the way she would want your own family to be treated — with safety, compassion and attention to detail.