Elevating Nursing through Compassion and Care

Lena Gorman’s path to nursing was shaped by 17 years of hands-on experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Though she entered the field with limited clinical training, she leaned on her deep well of compassion, which quickly proved to be her greatest strength.

Her first role as a nurse, caring for children and adults with special needs, affirmed that decision. While working with I.C.E. detainees, many of whom were startled by the warmth and kindness she offered, Gorman realized just how rare and necessary compassion can be in healthcare. These experiences helped her define her purpose: to offer care grounded in dignity and grace. In her current role, Gorman continues to believe that compassion is the reason she was called to nursing in the first place.

Through this article, Gorman emphasizes on the importance of compassion and shared responsibility in nursing, the need for practical support systems, and how these elements create meaningful, effective patient care.

Promoting Shared Responsibility with Compassion

I always tell my team to do their very best. “How would you want someone to treat a loved one of yours?” That’s how you should treat all your patients. I also show them that I’m willing to go into the field and do exactly what I ask them to do. I have an open-door policy and anyone at any time can come and talk to me. We all have very diverse backgrounds and can glean from each other’s experiences. Nursing is not about making yourself shine and look good it’s about making things easier, more tolerable and understandable for our patients. Everyone gets heard and all ideas are appreciated and valued.

“I believe that approaching others with honesty and a sincere heart helps everyone feel valued and appreciated, which leads to better teamwork and care. From day one, my commitment to supporting my team, whether by needing guidance, a listening ear or training”

When I joined Faith Medical, my goal was to foster genuine compassion among both staff and patients, emphasizing that patient care is a shared responsibility. I believe that approaching others with honesty and a sincere heart helps everyone feel valued and appreciated, which leads to better teamwork and care. From day one, my commitment to supporting my team, whether by needing guidance, a listening ear or training. In giving your all to them, you’ve earned their respect and dedication, ultimately ensuring patients receive the high-quality care they deserve.

Simplifying Care through Technology

The new electronic apps that we can use in the field make it an absolute dream, when they work properly, to ensure all the information that the team needs to care for the patient is right in the palm of their hand. From the wound care orders to all contact information is readily available.

Improving Public Awareness and Enrollment Support for Waivers

I believe that the wait times for Medicaid waiver programs are too long, especially considering that many individuals in need are elderly and require immediate assistance. There’s also a lack of public awareness about these programs and insufficient staff to guide people through the enrollment process. I suggest implementing a checklist that considers medical needs and also age, noting that older individuals, such as those in their 90s, may require more urgent help than younger applicants. Ultimately, you feel it’s unjust that people who have spent their lives helping others now face obstacles when they themselves need support.

Balancing Emotional Demands with Outcomes

Self-care is essential, even in small ways, because nurses must be recharged to give their best to others. Nursing shouldn’t just be a job—it’s a calling that requires compassion, resilience and a genuine desire to help. The work is demanding and emotionally taxing, but for those truly called to it, the rewards far exceed the paycheck. Nurses witness patients in their most vulnerable moments—after surgery, facing diagnoses or caring for fragile newborns—and provide strength and kindness during uncertain times. The true fulfillment comes from seeing recovery, growth and even peacefully guiding someone through their final moments. These deeply human experiences are what make nursing meaningful and impactful.