HealthLinks Charleston Sept/Oct 2021

88 | www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com DESTINEE KENERSON, BSN, RN Destinee Kenerson said that her favorite part of her job as nurse in Trident Medical Center’s inpatient rehab unit is having the privilege of seeing people go from their lowest points to walking out the door to go home to their families: “It’s very inspiring and heartwarming to witness their accomplishments.” She knew she wanted to be a nurse since high school when she was enrolled in a certified nursing assistant program, where she shadowed nurses for three years. “During this program, I was able to witness the life-changing ways nurses can make a difference in people’s lives.” she said. She wanted to work in inpatient rehab because she enjoyed educating and encouraging people to progress toward their goals. “My advice to aspiring nurses is to keep going. Nursing school isn’t easy, and, honestly, the profession isn’t any easier – but it’s worth it. It’s worth it to know that you saved a life, to build relationships with patients and their families and to learn from other nurses along the way. Nursing is a team effort, and you will inevitably make lifelong friends. My last piece of advice is to pray. If prayer isn’t your preference, I advise any form of self-care because you have to take care of you first if you expect to care for others. Nursing is truly a work of heart. ” MALLORY WEAVER, BSN, RN, CMSRN It was a deep curiosity for health science as a teenager that got Mallory Weaver interested in nursing. Right after high school, she entered nursing school and hasn’t looked back. “At one point in college, I had to take a year off and help my parents, and that experience made me realize even more that nursing was for me,” she said. Weaver is now working for Trident Medical Center in the medical-surgical float pool and as house supervisor. “I love medical-surgical medicine. There is a wealth of knowledge and learning that comes with this field, and you see patients from all walks of life – children, adolescents, adults and even geriatric patients – you see it all.” Weaver’s advice to up-and-coming nurses: “Nursing is not just a career path. It’s a lifelong decision to commit to caring for others. It’s a passion and it’s spiritually rewarding.” T H E P U L S E O N CHARLESTON NURSES CLAUDIA PATRICIA KISH, BSN, RN After a stint as an industrial engineer, Claudia Patricia Kish knew she wanted to do more in life. She found her calling in acute inpatient rehab. “I work in a field that gives me the opportunity to cherish and encourage patients to continue to work hard and to never give up,” she said. Kish said she works closely with therapists and doctors to help patients take back their independence and partici- pate in their communities again. “Nursing is not just a job; it’s a vocation. You will be advocating for your patients and providing excellent care to make sure they trust you,” she explained. She said that compassionate and genuine care are vital to a patient’s well-being. “Patients can notice when someone is not being nice. Verbal and nonverbal communication is very important. Always have a smile, be kind and be professional,” she commented Kish said that she would like to thank Trident Medical Center for the opportunity to work on the rehab floor: “I love my job. We have a great team of nurses, techs and therapists, and we have excellent support from upper management.” Her advice to new nurses is to practice patience: “Sometimes we are in a hurry or we are tired and trying to finish quickly so we can go home. That is how mistakes happen. Patience and empathy are crucial in the medical profession.” HealthLinks Charleston wants to recognize nurses as the backbone of our medical community and thank them for all their efforts!