Celebrating our nurses

The World Health Organization designated 2020 as “the year of the nurse.” This observation coincides with the 200th birth anniversary of revolutionary nurse Florence Nightingale, whose leadership forever elevated the nursing profession. Throughout the year, PMMA communities will shine a spotlight on nurses as part of this global recognition. We continue our celebration with three nurses on our staff and retired nurses among our residents.

Amy Hankins

What inspired you to become a nurse?

Becoming a nurse was a second career for me. I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology and made the decision to stay at home to raise my four kids. Going through childbirth and having more exposure to the medical field, I felt the desire to become a nurse. I spent a few years completing prerequisites on a very part-time basis, and once my youngest went to elementary school, I began the search for a nursing program.

How long have you been a nurse?

I have been a nurse for two years.

Where did you get your nursing degree?

‍Johnson County Community College

How long have you worked at Aberdeen Village?

‍I started at Aberdeen Village as a CNA in 2016, I believe, and worked PRN through nursing school. I started at Aberdeen Village as a nurse in June of 2018. I left for 1 1/2 years for an opportunity to work with hospice. I gained a special kind of experience, but started back at Aberdeen full time the beginning of August of this year.

What do you like most about working at Aberdeen Village?

I like the family atmosphere that Aberdeen brings. I had more of an appreciation of that after I left to work with hospice, and realized that I missed the familiar faces every day, and co-workers that genuinely care about you and your life outside of work. It’s a great place to work!

Rosemarie Sherrick

What inspired you to become a nurse?

Since I planned to move from my country to the U. S., I decided to become a nurse so I can apply and use that skill wherever I go and not only to help myself but to help others. I enjoy the caring nature of nursing and serving people.

How long have you been a nurse?

‍Eight years as an licensed practical nurse (LPN).

How long have you worked at Aberdeen Village?

‍Two years

What do you like most about working at Aberdeen Village?

I like working in Aberdeen Village because the people are receptive and nice. I like helping others.

Rebecca Chuma

What inspired you to become a nurse?

My mother worked as a housekeeper in a long-term care community during most of my childhood. Many times, I would go there with her and volunteer with the activities department or just visit with residents. I became a nursing assistant my senior year in high school. In 1983 in Oklahoma, certification wasn’t a requirement. This prompted me to go further and become a nurse.

How long have you been a nurse?

My “quick” answer has for a long time been, “Since Noah came off the ark.” In reality, I graduated with my LPN in the summer of 1986 when I was 21.

Where did you get your nursing degree?

I attended a Vo-tech school in Afton, Oklahoma.

How long have you worked at Aberdeen Village?

This time, I have been here for only four months. The first time around, I was here for 14 years.

What do you like most about working at Aberdeen Village?

Our residents and families are nurtured and loved. It isn’t only a job, it is a relationship, a family. The people we care for at Aberdeen become OUR PEOPLE, and we become theirs. Caring is priority here, and that is very important to me.

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