“A nurse is not what you do. It is what you are…I am a nurse. It’s not what I do, it’s what I am”- Unknown I have been a nurse for over forty years, and I love it! It is who I am even though I have many other titles, Mom, Wife, Mama, Professor, Friend,…
Read MoreVolunteers: the Heart of VOYCE
There’s a quote from Mr. Rogers that circulates around social media when a tragic event occurs. I have mentioned it before. “When I was a boy, and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people helping.’” I, like many others,…
Read MoreMy Journey to Social Work
From a young age, I knew I wanted a career where I could help people. Like many young people who want to get into a helping profession, I thought I would pursue nursing. After some coursework and a job at a hospital, I realized that nursing was not my career path. I enjoyed working in…
Read MoreNew Heart, Second Chance
Life is not for the weak! Due to a successful heart transplant, my nephew has a chance to live out another chapter of his life. Chris, a very young, thirty-two-year-old, outgoing, healthy, adrenaline junkie who lived with a passion for life, suddenly began experiencing many health ailments. His energy was low, it became hard for…
Read MoreDonate Blood; It May Save a Life
You never know who you’re helping when you donate blood. My Road to My First Blood Donation Back in 2011, my family was high atop St. Louis, celebrating the end of a successful fundraiser. We raised our glasses for a family shot of Crown Royal when the photographer put my parents, brother, and me together…
Read MoreThe Dilemma of Aging and Long-Term Care
We all want the best for our loved ones, but knowing how to deal with challenges and issues in long-term care can be a confusing and sometimes frustrating experience. Knowing where to turn for information and support when you need it most can make all the difference. In our recent Community Education Series webinar, The…
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