Celebrating National Nurses Week at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital

Blue Ridge Regional Hospital is proud to celebrate National Nurses Week by recognizing the dedication, compassion and expertise of the nurses who care for patients and families across the community every day. As part of HCA Healthcare, nurses at Blue Ridge Regional are supported by a broader network that provides access to advanced resources, clinical education and best practices — allowing them to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care close to home.

“Nurses are at the heart of everything we do,” said Tonia Hale, CEO and Chief Nursing Officer of Blue Ridge Regional Hospital. “Their compassion, clinical skill and commitment to our patients make a difference in every interaction, and we are proud to support them through the strength and resources of HCA Healthcare.”

This week, Blue Ridge Regional Hospital is highlighting three nurses whose stories reflect the power of nursing and the meaningful impact they make in the lives of patients and the community.

Kristi Lankford, RN, has dedicated 23 years to caring for patients across Mission Health hospitals, including Blue Ridge Regional Hospital and Mission Hospital McDowell. Now serving as Nurse Manager of Surgical Services at Blue Ridge Regional, her career has spanned operating room, labor and delivery, primary care, case management, ICU and oncology — each role strengthening her connection to the Spruce Pine community she serves.

For Kristi, the “power of nursing” was especially evident during her time in oncology, a role she describes as her favorite. “Patients are in one of the most vulnerable and stressful times of their lives,” she says. “Being able to care for them, provide comfort and gain their trust week after week was so impactful.” She recalls the joy of seeing patients regain their strength and return to themselves. “They became whole again. That’s something you never forget.”

Kristi’s commitment to her patients extends beyond the bedside. She is driven to expand her knowledge, strengthen her leadership skills, and serve community, knowing these efforts are essential to providing the highest quality care.

She believes nursing goes far beyond clinical tasks. “There are so many responsibilities people don’t see,” Kristi explains. “But what matters most is being present - listening to patients, understanding their concerns and helping guide them through what can be an overwhelming experience.”

For Kristi, nursing is rooted in purpose. “My purpose is to care for my community with compassion and be a source of strength and support when people need it most,” she says. Whether she’s mentoring new nurses, continuing to learn or supporting her team, that purpose — and her patients — keep her coming back. “I love what I do, and I love being part of a team that truly cares for this community.”

Sherri Fender, LPN, has spent 27 years caring for patients at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital—building not only a career, but lasting relationships across generations in her Yancey County community. As part of a three-nurse team in a specialty clinic, she supports patients with everything from taking vital signs to assisting with injections, casts and braces. Over nearly three decades, her work has spanned pediatrics, adult care and now works in the specialty clinic, mainly with orthopedic patients.

For Sherri, the “power of nursing” isn’t found only in those life-saving moments, but also in everyday connection. “You can brighten someone’s day when they’re not feeling well,” she says. Whether it’s easing nerves with humor during a vaccine or simply offering encouragement, she believes small acts of kindness can make a lasting impact.

One recent patient interaction stands out. A nervous patient asked Sherri to stay by her side during care. “I told her, ‘I’m here for you,’” Sherri recalls. “Just helping her stay calm meant everything.” It’s those quiet moments — especially when patients feel alone — that reinforce why she chose nursing in the first place. “After all these years, I love my job.”

That same compassion earned Sherri a DAISY Award after she went the extra mile to help a mother of several young children safely to her car. “Sometimes the little things mean more than you realize.”

Over the years, Sherri has also witnessed the full-circle impact of her work. She now cares for patients she once treated as children — including a current high school student considering a career in nursing. “I cared for her when she was born,” Sherri says. “Now, seeing her consider a future in nursing shows the lasting impact this work can have.”

After 27 years, her motivation remains simple: caring for her community. “Nursing is a calling,” she says. “It goes beyond what you learn in books — it’s about having a desire to care for and help others.”

For Sarah Griffith, RN, a case manager at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital, the power of nursing often shows up in moments when patients and families are at their most vulnerable — and unsure where to turn.

In her role, Griffith helps coordinate everything from discharge planning to home health, rehabilitation, and even guardianship for patients who can no longer safely care for themselves. She frequently works with elderly patients living alone without basic necessities or the ability to make medical decisions, helping connect them to resources and, when needed, pursuing state-appointed guardianship to ensure they receive proper care.

But some of the most powerful moments in her career have come during times of crisis.

During the height of COVID-19, when visitation was restricted, Griffith and her colleagues became more than caregivers. “We were everything,” she said. “We were the family, the support system, the people sitting with patients when they were scared.” She recalls caring for critically ill patients who were isolated and afraid, relying entirely on their care teams. “People were terrified. They didn’t want to die, and they were completely helpless. We were their lifeline.”

That same sense of purpose resurfaced during Hurricane Helene, when the hospital became a central hub for the community. With power outages and limited communication, patients and community members arrived seeking help, shelter, and connection. “We all just did whatever needed to be done,” she said. “Whether it was medical care, finding resources, or just making sure people felt safe.”

Amid those challenging moments are also stories that stay with her for years. One patient she cared for while working bedside had leukemia. Griffith supported her through treatment, and over time, the two formed a close bond. The patient made a promise: if she recovered, she would dance at Griffith’s wedding. She did—celebrating alongside her nurse before later passing away. “That’s something I’ll always carry with me,” Griffith said.

Griffith says many people don’t fully understand the weight nurses carry each day. “You’re constantly balancing so many things, and people’s lives are in your hands. There’s a lot of pressure to get everything right.”

Still, it’s the relationships — with patients, families, and especially her coworkers — that keep her going. “We’re a tight-knit group here,” she said. “My coworkers are my best friends. We support each other through everything.” That sense of connection, she says, is what makes Blue Ridge Regional Hospital feel like home — and what gives nursing its true power.