Reflections on nursing: a journey of compassion and growth

By Kim Steed, RN

Happy Nurses Week! It’s hard to believe that 27 years have passed since I graduated from nursing school. I stepped straight into the world of intensive care, eager to heal, help, and handle all things nursing.

While my compassion and energy were boundless, I was also a bit naïve as I embarked on my professional journey. Nursing is a career filled with both incredible rewards and significant challenges. The flexibility of our profession is invaluable, but nothing compares to the fulfillment of truly making a difference in a patient’s life.

One of the greatest blessings in my career has been the mentors and colleagues who have become like family. Nursing is not for the faint of heart—it’s a nonstop profession. We make up the largest portion of the healthcare workforce, providing frontline care and carrying immense responsibility. However, this also makes us highly vulnerable to stressors that affect both our physical and emotional well-being. Despite our dedication, many nurses are feeling the strain.

I’d love to see positive changes in the factors that drive nurses away from the bedside—staffing shortages, burnout, compensation concerns, and the physical demands of the job.

At Turn Medical, I’ve continued to grow, learning even more about the complexities of caring for critically ill patients. I’m constantly reminded of the physical toll that nursing takes. That’s why I appreciate Turn Medical’s commitment to improving patient outcomes while prioritizing caregiver safety. With long shifts, short staffing, and the emotional and physical demands of the job, it’s a relief to know that tools like the Pronova-O₂™ Automated Prone Therapy System can help ease some of these burdens and reduce nurse injuries.

I also find great fulfillment in education through Turn University where I deliver AACN accredited courses on subjects pertaining to critical care to staff as well as providing hands-on training for hospitals that place patients on the Pronova-O₂. Every decision a nurse makes can be life-changing, and I’m honored to play a role in ensuring the best outcomes for both patients and caregivers.

To my fellow nurses—thank you for your dedication, resilience, and compassion. Your work changes lives every single day.

Happy Nurses Week!