Nurses Making a Difference Throughout Polk

In honor of National Nurses Month, we asked local healthcare institutions to share a handful of their outstanding nurses with us. What they shared offers a glimpse into the dedication and commitment that drives healthcare excellence.

Bond Clinic

We would like to highlight two team members: Sharon Flecha, RN, and Katherine Davidson, APRN. These nurses have a passionate history for the field of nursing and a strong commitment to improving the lives of patients in the Winter Haven area.

Q. What does it take to be a good nurse?
The first thing you must have to be a good nurse is passion for what you do. Love, dedication, compassion, knowledge, and patience are all important to have.

Q. At what point did you realize you wanted to become a nurse?
I started working in a hospital at the age of 19 as a respiratory therapist, a career that I love as well. As the years went by, I realized it was time to move on to the next level of learning and knowledge. That’s when I decided to become a nurse, and it’s already been 16 years since that decision, and I don’t regret it.

Q. How does being a nurse compare to the expectations you had before you started?
Basically, in the beginning, there were a lot of fears and insecurities about having someone’s life in your hands. Any mistake can change everything, but over the years you learn to become passionate and create a bond so strong that it unites you and makes you give your best.

Q. At the end of the day, what makes all the hard work worth it for you?
The satisfaction of my patients for the good work that I do, the joy, and the multiple thank yous and hugs that I receive. That was when I realized that I was born to be a nurse. 

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Q. What does it take to be a good nurse?
It takes compassion, empathy, intelligence, skill, the desire to keep learning, the desire to help others, often over your own immediate needs.

Q. At what point did you realize you wanted to become a nurse? 
I was 32 years old and just had my second child and it literally just came to me one day that I wanted to be a nurse, and I enrolled at Polk Community College (now PSC). I already had a Bachelors degree from FSU in Music Performance.

Q. How does being a nurse compare to the expectations you had before you started?
My expectations had to do mostly with my experience having two children and the OB nurses that took care of me at that time who were wonderful. Initially, I wanted to be an OB nurse but that changed in time as I was exposed to the different specialties and units of the hospital in my clinical rotations. I went back to school to become a Nurse Practitioner after 20 plus years as an RN.           

Q. At the end of the day, what makes all the hard work worth it for you?
I get great satisfaction when patients come in to thank me or they are happy to see me again. It is very rewarding knowing that I can make a difference in someone’s life and in some instances saving a life. 

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AdventHealth

“Isaac has gone above and beyond in all of our service standards toward employees, patients and visitors. I observed Isaac buying a visitor lunch when he did not have the money to purchase it himself. Outside of his patient and visitor care, Isaac is so upbeat and brings joy and light to everyone around him. He looks you in the eye and makes you feel seen and acknowledged. He wears a constant smile that is contagious.” 
— coworker

Q. What does it take to be a good nurse?
To be a good nurse, I really think you need to have compassion. You have to really want to be able to make a difference whether it’s small or big. I think that a very defining moment for any great nurse is just being able to do everything, give everything each day you are at work, 100%. It’s important to understand that not every shift is going to be perfect, but you should always aim to do better in the next shift. I also tell everyone to learn one new thing every day, to know you made a change.  

Q. At what point did you realize you wanted to become a nurse? 
When I was younger, I wanted to serve in the Armed Forces or as a police officer, but a chronic health condition limited a lot of my physical abilities at that time. Being at the doctors as much as I was, I got to see the medical staff, and I wasn’t 100% sure what God’s plan was for me at that time, but I just started to have a heartfelt like for nursing and that’s when everything started to change as far as what my new goals in life were going to be because I knew I wasn’t going to let this condition consume me.

I feel like God guided me here. I feel like I have helped change many lives. I’ve helped many people in a lot of the darkest hours that were given to them, and sometimes being a nurse isn’t just about getting medicine for patients, sometimes it’s about being a shoulder to lean on or providing an ear to just listen to them. 

Q. How does being a nurse compare to the expectations you had before you started? 
I remember before I became a nurse, I was looking at the responsibilities that nurses have, and I didn’t know how I would ever be able to live up to that because I had never experienced it. I never had that much responsibility. I just didn’t know how I’d live up to that expectation that I have now. I think one thing that’s so important to realize is that when we’re here, our time no longer belongs to us, it belongs to the patients, and we give as much time as possible to each patient we care for. We devote that 12 hours to do as much as possible to make a change and my expectation is so far above what I expected (when I started). I know when we are here, we can have good moments and bad moments, but the bottom line is we’re here for each other and I really appreciate my work family.

Q: At the end of the day, what makes all the hard work worth it for you? 
|When I can walk out of my office and I can see the faces of the nurses and I can see them laughing amongst themselves. I can see a patient that was crashing earlier is more stable. I can see the family at the bedside with smiles on their faces. I would say a great way to end any shift is seeing that we make a difference, we make some kind of change, and that we learn one new thing that we didn’t know that day. I lead a great, wonderful, beautiful team of nurses and honestly, I wouldn’t be who I am without them.  If I can do anything to help make their shift better or to help them improve a skill that they are trying to achieve, I am absolutely on board. I learn a lot from them as well and that’s awesome. It’s a great feeling at the end of your workday to know you’ve given it everything, now you’re going home and then you reset and get ready to come back and do it all again. 

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BayCare

Holly recently earned a DAISY award, after being nominated by her colleagues: 

“One day, Holly was just stopping in to visit us in the Mother/Baby unit in the hospital, and a baby suddenly needed immediate intervention. The baby’s mother was overwhelmed with fear. Without hesitation, Holly stepped in—not only as a skilled NICU nurse but as a compassionate presence for the distressed. She wrapped her in a comforting embrace, offering reassurance and support so that we could focus on stabilizing the baby. Thanks to her presence, we were able to provide the life-saving care needed before transferring the baby to St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital. I was incredibly grateful to Holly that day. She had just come by to say hello, yet in an instant, she instinctively shifted into NICU nurse mode to help me. Her ability to balance clinical expertise with deep empathy is what makes her an extraordinary nurse. Holly is truly a compassionate and loving soul.”

Q. What does it take to be a good nurse?
Being a good nurse requires patience, the ability to truly listen and not pass judgement, and to know when to ask for help. My goal has always been to be a comfort to parents and someone they can trust to care for their babies. 

Q. At what point did you realize you wanted to become a nurse? 
I spent my first year of college at the University of Florida in Gainesville and I had the opportunity to volunteer in the NICU and on the pediatrics unit at Shands Hospital. Getting to witness the expert care those nurses provided and the relationships they had with the families is what made me decide to pursue a career in nursing.

Q. How does being a nurse compare to the expectations you had before you started? 
I was so young when I became a nurse that I honestly thought there would be no bad days! I was sure that maternal/newborn nursing would be happiness and excitement all the time. Although I quickly learned that that was not the case, thankfully the good days have always outweighed the hard.

Q: At the end of the day, what makes all the hard work worth it for you? 
At the end of the day, just knowing that you have had some small part in someone else’s story makes it all worth it. Knowing that you helped someone have confidence in taking care of their baby, or shared in the moment they held their baby for the first time, or even cried with them after a heartbreaking loss – it changes you. It makes the hard times and hard work all worthwhile.

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Selina earned a DAISY award recently, having been nominated by her colleagues: “Selina began her career in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) in September 2021, having previously worked at CMU, where she received high praise from her former supervisor. Known for her bright demeanor and positive energy, Selina quickly earned the respect of both her colleagues and her patients. In the course of my rounds, it became clear that Selina consistently stood out for her exceptional care and compassion.

Numerous patients expressed how authentically she cared about their well-being. I would like to share two specific incidents that illustrate Selina’s extraordinary qualities as a nurse. The first incident involved a gentleman from our community who experienced a sudden, serious heart condition that necessitated heart surgery. Selina was assigned to care for him during this anxious time. He shared how deeply depressed he felt, withdrawing into himself. Recognizing his distress, Selina approached him with her calm demeanor and sat beside him while gently holding his hand. She took the time to listen to his fears and provided reassurance during a challenging moment. By explaining the upcoming procedure in a gentle and clear manner, and assuring him of his safety, he stated Selina helped alleviate his anxiety significantly. After his surgery, he returned to the hospital to participate in a conference extolling our CVICU service line and what he spoke of was his nurse, Selina. In front of a large group of surgeons, cardiologists and team members, he tearfully expressed his gratitude for the compassionate care he received from Selina, highlighting how she had made a lasting impact on his recovery. While he praised the skill of the surgeons and the clinical care he received, what made the most lasting impression upon him was Selina sitting beside him holding his hand with authentic care and compassion.

The second incident features a patient admitted with a cardiac issue who also struggled with severe anxiety. This patient described living with anxiety daily and detailed how her nurse had supported her. Selina took the time to sit beside her, holding her hand and empathizing with her fears and offering comfort. By holding her hand and praying with her, Selina created a nurturing environment that helped this patient feel genuinely cared for. The patient noted that having a nurse who understood her struggles made a significant difference in her experience. These examples reflect Selina’s genuine warmth and dedication to her patients. While her clinical skills are exemplary, it is her compassionate approach that fosters a healing environment and empowers her patients.” 

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Danielle’s colleagues nominated her for a DAISY Nurse Leader Award and, upon her presentation of the award, they shared the following:

“Danielle has been a continual inspiration to me and her team. She always has a great attitude and is available for any advice. Since being under her leadership, Danielle has inspired me to finish school and get my career off the ground. Before meeting Danielle, I always believed I couldn’t do it without having such a hectic life. Danielle is a role model for her team. In my life, I have not met many leaders like her. It is evident that she genuinely cares for each individual on her team. Danielle ensures everyone around her is having a good day despite anything personal she may have going on. Selflessly, she puts their issues before her own. Danielle exemplifies BayCare Values daily. I am grateful for her presence at BayCare and impact on my life.”

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Recently, Bartow Regional Medical Center security guard Thomas Kendall was on duty when he felt a familiar pain and tightness in his chest. His co-worker took one look at his colleague and asked if he was feeling OK. Thomas was not. He had had a heart attack before, 15 years previously, and felt it was happening again. Karen Herzberger was the first nurse to see Thomas. She knows Thomas well, as he frequently screens in the ED area.

“He told me he was having some chest pain. He wasn’t sure if he should check in or go home and I said, ‘No, you’re checking in and we’re going to do an EKG. I always tell my patients, my family, everyone that it’s better to get it checked out and have it be nothing as opposed to going home and it gets worse.”

When patients come in with chest pain, Karen says, it’s the ED team’s goal to have an EKG test done within 10 minutes of their arrival. Thomas credits Karen and the rest of the ED team for his recovery and his ability to return to work. 

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Hollie has gone above and beyond in many ways for patients. She even found a permanent home for a homeless person’s dog so the patient would not leave before receiving the care they needed. When our Emergency Room entrance had to be moved due to our expansion project, Hollie was there at 4 a.m. to ensure a smooth transition. She has generated a lot of excellent ideas to improve just about every aspect of our team’s work – pain management assessment tools, stroke forms, ED workflow – she’s done it all. Hollie has done a lot of things outside her job duties to better the department and the patient’s care. 

Q. What does it take to be a good nurse?
Being a good nurse changes with every patient and every encounter. What one person finds comforting is not always what works for another. A good nurse empathizes with patients and families, anticipates the needs of others and advocates for those who cannot speak up for themselves. A great nurse has learned to care for themselves first, for one cannot pour out of an empty cup.

Q. At what point did you realize you wanted to become a nurse?
Initially, I wanted to become a physician like my mother, but God had other plans for me. When I was about 10 years old, I accompanied my father to work at the Special Care Unit and several home health visits. There was a boy named Adam who was paraplegic and we were the same age. His one wish was to attend a Major League Baseball game, and my dad made it happen. We enjoyed box seats and his favorite team, The Florida Marlins played against the Colorado Rockies on Sunday May 2, 1993. Watching my dad with Adam was life changing. It was incredible to bring so much joy to someone in so much pain.

Q. How does being a nurse compare to the expectations you had before you started?
I had pretty clear expectations when I became a nurse. Not only is my family in medicine but I started working under nurses as the HUC (Health Unit Coordinator) and monitor tech back in 2000 – before computer charting! One part of nursing, especially emergency nursing, that I did not expect is how hard it can be to decompress. Finding a healthy outlet to help offset the weight of some days is vital. A typical Tuesday for a nurse is often times the worst day of someone’s life.

Q. At the end of the day, what makes all the hard work worth it for you?
The hard work, the long days and nights, the time away from family during the holidays or birthdays, have been worth it. Nursing allows me to live the life I want to live. It gives me a purpose and enables me to raise two incredible children as a single parent. Nursing has trained me to withstand, overcome and guide others through some of the hardest parts of life with grace. Nursing continues to teach me every day.

WATSON CLINIC

Sheila Booker is a tremendous asset to UCS and Watson Clinic. She comes with years of experience and skill as well as clinical judgement that can’t be taught from a book! She is extremely dedicated to her role and goes over and above to get the job done. She loves her patients!
— Mashell Hooker, Clinical Services Coordinator.

Q. What does it take to be a good nurse?
Nurses are equipped with strong work ethics and with an ability to go to plan B. Intelligence, common sense, logic and compassion for patients and their families are important. Kindness, good communications skills and time management are also important qualities. I feel the most important qualification is to love your profession.

Q. At what point did you realize you wanted to become a nurse?
I came from a long line of nurses. I feel I was born to be a nurse. By the age of 10, I played nurses and doctors while most kids that age were pretending to be teachers.

Q. How does being a nurse compare to the expectations you had before you started?
I love being a nurse. It is in my soul. After 44 years, I have had a great run as a nurse. I have also taught high school medical science classes and ER nursing, which was my favorite. I’ve enjoyed so many experiences and opportunities, and all my expectations are almost fulfilled.

Q. At the end of the day, what makes all the hard work worth it for you?
Knowing that I have given my patients my best every day. A patient’s expression of thanks and confidence in my abilities is very gratifying. 

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Q. What does it take to be a good nurse?
A lot of patience. In my opinion, you should be kind, thorough, do what you say you will do and if you can’t do it explain why. Be a good listener, compassionate and caring, and work hard.

Q. At what point did you realize you wanted to become a nurse?
I came from a family of nurses. I was working in the medical field before I was a nurse and realized there are so many opportunities in the nursing field that can change as your life stages change and you can always find job opportunities, good income and many options and directions.

Q. How does being a nurse compare to the expectations you had before you started?
I don’t think I had any expectations at 24 except that I could conquer the world. I do love the technology advances; we have so much knowledge at our fingertips now instead of so many books.

Q. At the end of the day, what makes all the hard work worth it for you?
At the end of the day, you hope you have helped direct, support, and guide patients in their medical journey and that they remember the person who helped them along the way. Be kind, so little of that in the world today. 

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Sandy, a dedicated nurse at Watson Clinic for over 35 years, plays a crucial role in our Employee Health team. Beyond ensuring the well-being of our employees, Sandy extends her care to our HR team, embodying our unity as ONE Watson HR Team. Her commitment to health and compassion make her an invaluable part of our community.
—  Omar Crespo, Human Resources Manager

Q. What does it take to be a good nurse?
To develop into a good or — better yet — exceptional nurse, requires a combination of technical expertise, personal traits and social skills. Attributes such as communication skills,  attentive listening, critical thinking, technical skills, teamwork, time management, resilience, and adaptability come together to create a good nurse.

Q. At what point did you realize you wanted to become a nurse?
I have always felt that my desire to be a nurse was a calling. From the time I can remember I asked for a doctor kit every Christmas. I would then start caring for everyone around me with my doctor kit. That innate desire never changed as I got older. I enjoyed chemistry, anatomy and physiology, and biology in school, and that interest only grew when I went to nursing school.

Q. How does being a nurse compare to the expectations you had before you started?
I went into nursing without any prior background or much knowledge about the medical field or nursing. I was however aware that it would be a lot of work and take a lot of dedication and perseverance. Nursing has actually exceeded my expectations I did have after graduation. I feel very fortunate to have been nursing through 5 decades of life. Nursing has evolved into a multifaceted profession with broader practice options, greater leadership roles, and increasing influence in health care. I’ve also witnessed the monumental evolution in medicines such as development of MRT and CT, development of antiretroviral therapy, advanced cancer treatment, the Human Genome Project, minimally invasive surgery, organ transplant, breakthroughs in cardiovascular treatment, and advancement of artificial intelligence in medicine, to name a few. It has been an amazing journey, and it’s not over yet.

Q. At the end of the day, what makes all the hard work worth it for you?
It’s a very humbling experience to care for people knowing they are placing all their trust in you. You can never underestimate the impact your actions and words have on someone’s life. There are times when nurses come the closest to touching people’s souls.