During National Nurses Week, May 6 through May 12, 2026, we asked nurses across our Home of the Good Shepherd communities to reflect on their experiences, what brought them into nursing, what keeps them going on difficult days, and what being a nurse means to them.
While every response was unique, many of the same themes appeared repeatedly: compassion, teamwork, communication, resilience, and the importance of building meaningful relationships with residents and families.
Why They Chose Nursing
For many of our nurses, the decision to go into nursing began with a desire to help others. Some shared that they were inspired by family members who worked in healthcare or by personal experiences caring for loved ones. Others described nursing as something they always felt drawn toward.
Several nurses also talked about the different paths that led them into senior care. Some began as CNAs before becoming nurses. Others worked in different areas of healthcare before discovering a passion for caring for older adults.
One thing that came through clearly in the interviews was that nursing is not simply a job to them. It is deeply personal work rooted in compassion, responsibility, and human connection.
The Importance of Relationships
When asked what they enjoy most about working at Home of the Good Shepherd, many nurses talked first about the residents.
They spoke about the relationships they built over time, getting to know residents and families personally, and the rewarding feeling of helping someone feel safe, supported, and cared for.
Several nurses also highlighted the importance of their coworkers and the strong sense of teamwork within their communities. Communication, trust, and stepping in to help each other during difficult shifts were recurring themes throughout the interviews.
One nurse described a strong team simply as “working together and supporting one another,” while another shared that a good day is when “everyone works together,” and residents’ needs are met.
The Moments That Stay with Them
Some of the most meaningful responses came when nurses reflected on moments where they felt they had truly made a difference.
A few described the appreciation expressed by residents and families after difficult times. Others shared that sometimes the smallest moments can have the biggest impact, helping a resident laugh during a hard day, making someone feel comfortable, or knowing they helped a family through an emotional experience.
Several nurses also talked about the parts of the job that people may not always see. Nursing requires balancing clinical responsibilities, emotional support, communication with families, teamwork, quick decision-making, and staying calm under pressure, often all at once.
Despite the challenges, many nurses said the relationships they build with residents are what continue to motivate them.
What Makes a Great Nurse
When asked what qualities matter most in nursing, many responses centered around compassion, patience, empathy, communication, adaptability, and kindness.
Others mentioned the importance of staying calm under pressure, supporting coworkers, and being willing to step in wherever needed.
One nurse shared that a great nurse understands “that we are all human.” Another described nursing as “being someone people can rely on during their most vulnerable moments.”
More Than Clinical Care
The interviews also included lighter and more personal moments. Coffee was a popular answer throughout the interviews, along with a few energy drink fans. One nurse joked that if she were not a nurse, she would be a homicide detective. Another said she would work with animals and children.
Those moments helped highlight something important: behind every nurse is a real person bringing their own personality, humor, experiences, and compassion into the work they do every day.
Across Home of the Good Shepherd communities, nurses play an important role in supporting residents with changing care needs, medication management, communication with providers and families, and helping residents remain safe, comfortable, and supported in a more residential environment.
Thank You to Our Nurses
At Home of the Good Shepherd, nurses are an integral part of the care and support residents receive each day. Across our communities, our nursing teams help monitor changing needs, communicate with families and providers, support medication management, enhance care, and work closely with staff to help residents feel safe, cared for, and at home.
This National Nurses Week, we are grateful for the nurses who bring that care, professionalism, and compassion to our residents every day. Thank you for all that you do!
Interested in joining the amazing team of nurses at Home of the Good Shepherd? Explore our Training & Career Advancement Programs and Current Nursing Job Openings.