National Nurses Week, May 6 through 12, is a time to recognize the compassion and dedication provided by these healthcare professionals every day. In observance of the week, we checked in with Fidelis Care nurses Shay Dege, Matthew Garbutt, Kelsey Maslowski, Sherry MacQueen, and Dawn Pankey on why they chose the profession and what it means to them.

Fidelis Care: What inspired you to become a nurse?

Shay Dege: Two factors inspired me. First, being able to comfort others in times when they feel like there is no hope and knowing that I can help someone smile when they are feeling sick, or their mental health is not well. The second factor is I was always fascinated by how the body works and the physiology of how the body reacts in times of illness or healing.

Matthew Garbutt: I was inspired to become a nurse as my mother and my aunt are both nurses. I have a strong interest in the human body, and I knew I wanted to help people in my professional life.

Sherry MacQueen: My inspiration to become a nurse came from a deep desire to help others and make a meaningful difference in their lives. From the beginning of my education and early career, I was drawn to roles where I could advocate for those in need, providing care in a compassionate, thoughtful way.

Dawn Pankey: I was inspired to become a nurse at age 8, when dealing with the illness and subsequent death of my mother. That experience made me realize I wanted to commit myself to helping people stay healthy and be knowledgeable regarding ways to take care of themselves.

Fidelis Care: What is most satisfying about your job?

Garbutt: As a supervisor at Fidelis Care, I am most satisfied by helping those who report to me succeed and achieve their personal goals. Being able to identify trends and implement changes across the organization is also rewarding to me.

Kelsey Maslowski: Nursing is a field that is both difficult and rewarding. The ability to help members who may be going through a difficult time or are unfamiliar with how to navigate their benefits motivates me in my job. There is always a way to help someone while working in the healthcare field.

MacQueen: The most satisfying part of my work has been serving on medical mission trips to Haiti, where I’ve had the privilege to care for individuals and families with limited access to healthcare. Being able to use my nursing skills to meet not only physical needs but also to share God’s love in a tangible way has been incredibly humbling and fulfilling.

Pankey: When I started nursing, I cherished the ability to bring families together to have closure in situations that were like mine. I love knowing that the work I do makes a difference. I take pride in knowing that I do everything within my power to resolve issues and concerns for my members.

Dege: Building meaningful relationships with members, patients and families.  Knowing that I can make a difference in someone’s life is very rewarding. 

Fidelis Care: What is your message for National Nurses Week?

MacQueen: As we celebrate National Nurses Week, I want to honor and recognize the incredible impact each nurse has on the lives of those they care for. You are not just caregivers; you are fierce advocates and instruments of God’s healing. Every day, you stand up for those who may not have a voice, ensuring their needs are met and their rights are upheld.

Pankey: As nurses, we should always renew our commitment to helping our members. We must ensure that we do our best to provide the necessary care. Always think, “This person could be me or my family member.”

Dege: Nurses are a group of compassionate and dedicated individuals who selflessly make a difference in people’s lives every day.  Happy Nurses Week to all the amazing nurses out there. You deserve this recognition!

Garbutt: Thank you to all nurses for what you do every day. Your hard work and advocacy for patients does not go unnoticed.

Maslowski: My message for National Nurses Week is that we all make an impact on people’s lives. It is up to us if we want that to be a positive one. Be intentional with your actions.