More Than Nurses: The Heart of Compassionate Care at West Jefferson Medical Center

Celebrating Our Nurses During National Nurses Week

During Nurses Week, we take time to honor the selfless individuals who exemplify what it truly means to care—not just through clinical skill, but through deep compassion and humanity.

A recent testimonial from Pam Mudge, a former Radiology employee, serves as a touching reminder of the profound impact the nurses at West Jefferson Medical Center have on the families they serve.

Pam’s 98-year-old mother was recently hospitalized and faced challenges—pain, confusion, and fear—that often accompany a hospital stay. These moments could have been overwhelming, were it not for the extraordinary compassion and attentive care provided by the nursing team.

“The nurses showed compassion to my Mom during her stay by listening to her, even though at times it was hard for them to understand her because of dementia,” Pam shared. “They never rushed her and exhibited so much compassion and patience. She felt seen and heard.”

Pam also recalled how her mother, a very modest woman, felt safe and respected when the nurses helped her with personal care like using a bedpan. “They kept her covered and always made sure the door to her room was closed for privacy,” she added. “That meant so much.”

But the care extended beyond just taking care of Pam's mom; it offered warmth and reassurance to the entire family. That same compassion was shown to every family member.

Because of her mother’s confusion and need for comfort, a family member stayed overnight with her each night. “The nurses told us they had a recliner they could bring into the room for whoever was staying,” Pam shared. “Then one night, my brother and his wife stayed. I came in the next morning, and there were two recliners in the room! We didn’t expect that—it was such a pleasant surprise.”

Even though this made navigating the space more difficult for the staff, not one nurse complained. “Each one said, ‘No, that’s perfectly fine. We can get around them.’ Their demeanor and level of care made us feel like we weren’t in the way. They still cared for our Mom with such grace.”

Pam also emphasized how well-informed the family felt throughout their mother’s stay.

“Any questions we had, they answered. They kept us updated on her progress, her condition, and what to expect. We were never in the dark. It brought us a sense of security and comfort knowing our 98-year-old mom was in the right place, with the right caregivers.”

A Special Encounter with Vinnessia

Among the amazing nurses Pam and her family met, one stood out in a particularly special way—Vinnessia Shelbia, RN, the overnight nurse. Her smile, professionalism, and faith-centered story deeply moved Pam’s mother, who was once a writer and editor for the Plaquemines Gazette, and had a soft spot for a good story.

“Every time she came in, she greeted my Mom with a beautiful smile and explained everything she was doing,” Pam said. “One night, my Mom was just watching her so intently. I asked Vinnessia to share what inspired her to become a nurse. She happily responded, ‘I don’t mind at all! When I first started choosing a career, I wasn’t sure what I was going to do, but then I realized my career path was right in front of me.’” Vinnessia told them how she came from a family of caregivers—her mom and aunts were all nurses. Women of strong faith who served others, and she felt called to follow in their footsteps.

Pam’s mother, who often struggled to communicate clearly, looked at Vinnessia and said, as clear as day, ‘I wish everyone was like you.’ It was a beautiful exchange between Pam’s mom and Vinnessia—one that brought clarity and peace in a moment when words had often been difficult to find.

Pam also praised the confidence and compassion of Charla Lee, RN and Gina Quincy, RN, who handled every interaction— from helping her mother to the bedpan to carefully repositioning her, especially given her shattered arm—doing so with gentleness and grace. “They explained everything to her during her hospital stay. And what they didn’t know is that my mother’s firstborn daughter had passed just three months prior. She had been very depressed. These beautiful ladies brought her comfort.”

“I will always remember how Charla, Gina, and Vinnessia cared for my Mom. There’s a sense of love and peace when someone is truly doing what they were called to do—and these three women personify that. Thank you very much. I am eternally grateful to these beautiful nurses.”

In celebrating National Nurses Week, we thank each and every nurse for the strength, compassion, and commitment they bring into every patient room. Your presence brings peace, your words bring comfort, and your hearts bring healing. You are not only caregivers—you are the heart of what we do.