In The Spotlight

Local Nurse Discusses Her Profession

Story and photo by Shannon Serpette

When Chelsea Simms of Ottawa recently won the NewsTribune’s Favorite Nurse competition, she was honored that people took the time to nominate and vote for her. But this 32-year-old, who has been a nurse for seven years and works at Liberty Village in Peru, didn’t join the nursing field because she wanted recognition.

“I wanted to enter the nursing profession so I could do something for my career that is challenging, interesting, and makes a difference in people’s lives daily. In this field, I deal with many aspects of patient care, and I enjoy the variety in my routine,” she said.

Simms said making a difference in the lives of her patients, their families, and even her coworkers is the most rewarding aspect of her career.

“I enjoy being in a profession that promotes teamwork and developing close relationships within the practice. The nursing field offers so many arenas and opportunities to provide care to many different patients,” she said. “Liberty Village is fast-paced and a great opportunity to improve my nursing techniques, communication skills, and multi-tasking abilities. The management team is great, and my coworkers have become like family. I’m so thankful for the opportunity to work amongst such talented healthcare staff.”

The challenges of the pandemic brought into sharp focus just how important nurses are and how desperately the skills and reassurance they provide are needed.

“As we contemplate the ramifications of this rapidly moving global pandemic, it is clear that the need for nurses has never been greater. In responding to this dire and unprecedented health crisis, as nurses, we are doing what we have been educated, trained, and prepared to do. We have the knowledge and skills to deliver the care needed in all phases of the illness trajectory, and in reassuring, informing, and supporting people within communities who are frightened, worried, and wanting to stay well,” she said.

When asked what she wishes people knew about what it’s like to be a nurse, Simms had this to say: “It’s difficult to explain to someone who isn’t a nurse just how hectic many hospitals and other similar clinical environments really are. By the time nurses have met their patients’ needs (in addition to the needs of the family members, physicians, social workers, techs, and everyone else on the healthcare team), they’ve often neglected their own personal, emotional, and physical needs. To be effective and avoid burnout, nurses who constantly give to others need to give some time and attention to themselves, too,” she said.

In light of the current nursing shortage, Simms offered her opinion on what can be done to attract more people to the nursing field.

“All healthcare facilities must do their best to recruit and retain quality nurses by creating an atmosphere that appreciates nurses, offers advancement opportunities, and gives their voice a chance to be heard in the system,” she said.

All nurses need time to themselves to decompress from working in such a stressful field. For Simms, relaxation is a high priority.

“In my spare time, I like to unwind as much as I can. With all the rewards that come with nursing, it’s nice to be away and clear my mind. I enjoy going on walks with my two dogs, catching up with friends, and binging the latest shows. I find pleasure in activities that make me feel one with the world and bring me back to my center,” she said.

Chelsea Simms of Ottawa recently won the NewsTribune’s Favorite Nurse competition. She works at Liberty Village of Peru.

PALM BEACH NEW YORK MILANO PALM BEACH NEW YORK MILANO

LONDON PARIS PALM BEACH NEW YORK MILANO TOKYO LASALLE LONDON PARIS

ENJOY OUR ICEYS AND FRAPPES!

FROZEN FANTA WILD CHERRY BLUE RASPBERRY

ENJOY A DELICIOUS DELICIOUS CARAMEL CARAMEL FRAPPE! FRAPPE!

FROZEN COCA-COLA

2139 N. Main St. Princeton

800 W. Dakota St. Spring Valley

1503 13th Avenue 2701 12th St. Mendota

SM-LA2017201NOW HIRING/EOE Locally owned/operated by Paul & Mary Breznay

DONATING $25 TO COPS 4 CANCER

for every mortgage closed in 2022!

Home Sweet Home

Loans to Purchase, Build or Refinance First-Time Home Buyer Program Available In-House Servicing on All Loans No Points - Competitive Closing Costs

Se habla español

CALL

Laura Hein

NMLS# 1614563

SM-LA2028017

Customers can now apply on-line on our website.

www.eurekasavings.com 250 Marquette St LaSalle, IL. 61301 815-223-0700 MEMBER FDIC

WelcomeHome!

GetPre-qualifiedToday

Mistie Brokaw

NMLS# 1492488 815-875-3333 Princeton Jaimie Rosenthal

NMLS# 1253864 815.875.3468 Princeton Linda Hessenberger

NMLS# 477893 815.220.1865 Peru

Powerful Tech

within reach to help manage your finances.

Bill Pay Mobile Banking Smartwatch Banking Debit & Credit Card Controls Mobile Check Deposit Mobile Payments: