By SYDNEY KENT
National Nurses Week, a time used to celebrate and recognize the critical role nurses hold, is recognized every year from May 6-12. The theme this year is: You Make A Difference.
One young Wells County nurse is making a difference in patients’ lives at the Med/Surg and ICU units in Adams Memorial Hospital.
For Ashlyn Shanks, a 17-year-old junior at Norwell High School, simply lending a hand to the people around her provided inspiration for her chosen profession.
“I grew up out in the country, and when I was younger, I had a neighbor. He was suffering with many hernias,” Shanks said. “I would pick up sticks in his yard and just try to help out however I could. I liked the idea that I can be there for people in a different way with my work. I want to make people smile.”
And so Shanks pursued certification as a nursing assistant, which required a training course and passing a state exam.
“I have been a CNA for two years. Norwell High School has a program to get your license,” Shanks said. “But I actually got my license earlier, on my own when I was 15 through the Swiss Village Retirement Community in Berne.”
Shanks said she loves the opportunity to “always keep learning” and working in an often fast-paced environment.
“Sometimes you don’t know what is going to happen. I have been asked to help in ICU at times, I have helped in OB,” Shanks said. “There was a mom that was coding and her baby was moving like crazy because she was losing oxygen. I stayed focused and ready to help however I was needed.”
Shanks said she learns from watching fellow nurses.
“Ashlyn and Amy are my go-to nurses that help me with everything,” Shanks said. “They help me learn a lot, they are awesome CNAs. All of my charge nurses help teach and guide me as well.”
Next year, Shanks said she will participate in the ICE program at Norwell High School. The following year, she hopes to graduate with an acceptance letter to Saint Francis.
“I am really hoping to attend Saint Francis and obtain my BSM in nursing,” Shanks said. “After that, I might continue on to be a Nurse Practitioner.”
Shanks said she enjoys riding ATVs and dirt bikes, being around farm animals and loves spending time with her friends and family. Shanks also said she is excited about the potential in her future as a nurse.
sydney@news-banner.com
