2017 Annual Nursing Report

EXEMPLARY PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

Nurse Recognition BLACKSBURG (WSLS 10) – Our 2017 Red Cross Medical Hero works 40 hours a week as an RN in the Emergency Department, but also volunteers as a paramedic. Chelsey Williams said she knew at 16 years old, when she tagged along in the ambulance to her very first call, that her future profession would be in the medical field. “Every time you run a call you’re seeing someone probably at the worst moment of their life when they call 911, so every time our truck goes out the door we’re always making an impact. Just knowing that every time you are here doing something like this, it is a very fulfilling job,” said Williams. 10 years later, she is still volunteering with the Blacksburg Rescue Squad, running calls 40 hours a week. “We don’t get paid for it, so this is truly just out of the kindness of our hearts that we get to give back to our community,” continued Williams. Last Christmas season, she ran a call and unfortunately the outcome was fatal. “The family was left without a provider and caretaker. We heard about this and knew that this family was in need and it would be nice to give them Christmas presents,” recalled Williams. Chelsey and one other member used their own money and bought presents for the kids. When asked why she decided to help, Williams answered, “because that’s what you should do and if it were my family I would want someone to help my family and my kids. Really that is what Christmas is about – being able to give back. I’m blessed and fortunate to be able to give back.” Chelsey and others didn’t just drop the gifts off at the door, they delivered them with Santa and a deputy escort. “I can’t describe how excited their faces were when they actually saw Santa get out of the ambulance and he had his big sack over his shoulders delivering them presents. It just really takes you back to when you were a kid,” said Williams. “Just their faces, it was just pure happiness and excitement and I think that made it all worth it right there in that perfect moment, that made my Christmas.” Her hard work saves lives, but her heart helped save Christmas for a grieving family, making her a hero.

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