Celebrating National Nurses Week at Mission Hospital McDowell
Mission Hospital McDowell is proud to celebrate National Nurses Week by recognizing the compassion, skill and dedication of nurses who care for patients across the community every day. As part of HCA Healthcare, nurses at Mission Hospital McDowell are supported by a broader network that provides access to clinical education, best practices and resources that help deliver high-quality, evidence-based care close to home.
“Our nurses are the backbone of the care we provide,” said Lee Higginbotham, CEO of Mission Hospital McDowell. “Their commitment to our patients and to one another is evident in every interaction, and we are proud to support them through the strength and resources of HCA Healthcare.”
This week, Mission Hospital McDowell is highlighting three nurses whose stories reflect the impact nurses across our hospital make every day in the lives of patients and families.
Rhonda Janes, RN, a labor and delivery nurse at Mission Hospital McDowell, has been part of the McDowell team for nearly four years, bringing more than a decade of nursing experience to the Marion community she calls home. For Rhonda, nursing is not defined by a single moment, but by the collective impact of teamwork and compassion.
“It’s hard to point to just one moment,” she says. “But what stands out is when we come together as a team—whether it’s helping save a life or supporting a memorable birth. Using our collective skills and working together to create the best possible outcome for our patients—that’s powerful.”
One patient experience has stayed with her over the years. She recalls caring for a mother whose baby faced significant medical challenges. Despite being given difficult options, the mother chose to carry her pregnancy forward, cherishing every moment she might have with her child. “Her strength and love were incredible,” Rhonda says. “It still brings tears to my eyes. Moments like that stay with you forever.”
Rhonda emphasizes that nursing goes far beyond clinical tasks. “We pour ourselves into our patients and their families,” she says. She also credits her calling to a deeper source of purpose. “For me, it comes from God,” she says. “He gave me the ability and heart to care for others, and that guides me in the work I do every day.”
Sometimes, simply being present is what matters most. She remembers sitting with a family during a devastating loss, offering comfort through shared grief. Later, a note from the patient’s family affirmed just how meaningful that presence had been.
For Rhonda, the support of her team is what makes all the difference. “We truly have the best team at Mission Hospital McDowell,” she says. “From physicians and midwives to nurses and pediatricians, we work like a family. No matter the situation, we support one another, respect each other and share the same goal—to provide the best care possible. I couldn’t do what I do without them.”
Katie Bomer, RN, an emergency room nurse at Mission Hospital McDowell, sees the “power of nursing” not just in life-saving interventions, but in the quiet, human moments that often go unnoticed. In a fast-paced ER environment, she says it’s the small interactions—like a behavioral health patient thanking her for “treating me like an actual person”—that sustain her and prevent burnout. “I didn’t save her life,” Katie reflects, “but I was there for her. That’s what fuels you and reminds you why you do this work.”
Some moments, however, leave a lasting imprint. Katie recalls a pediatric loss that deeply affected both the hospital and the surrounding community. During an honor walk, the child’s classmates filled the halls as her favorite song played overhead—a powerful tribute that Katie says she still carries with her through every holiday season. “It makes you ask, ‘Can I do this job?’ but also, ‘How can I not?’” she says. “To have even a small impact on a family during their hardest moment means everything.”
Katie believes the true power of nursing comes from compassion. “Whether it’s a critical case or a broken toe, it’s the kindness, empathy and love nurses bring that shape a patient’s experience,” she says. That connection builds trust—so much so that some patients return asking for specific nurses by name.
Rooted in her passion for rural communities, Katie feels a deep connection to the patients she serves in McDowell County. “There’s something special about working in a place where you know your team and your community,” she says. “We take care of each other.” It’s that sense of purpose and support that keeps her coming back each day—grateful, she says, for the opportunity to do work that truly matters.
Paula Moore, RN, an acute care nurse at Mission Hospital McDowell, brings 17 years of nursing experience to her role, where she cares for patients on the medical-surgical floor and serves as a charge nurse. Living in Morganton, Paula has been part of the McDowell team for the past four years, caring for patients in the area she calls home.
For Paula, the “power of nursing” is something she feels every time she walks into work. “I think, ‘Wow, this is what I was meant to do with my life,’” she says. “It’s such a rewarding career. I get to help people feel better, bring them some relief and even just a smile during a hard time.” Those everyday moments of connection are what continue to affirm her calling.
She also understands the weight that comes with the profession. “People don’t always realize the pressure and stress nurses carry,” Paula explains. “You’re dealing with people’s lives every day and trying to do everything perfectly.” Despite that responsibility, she finds purpose in building trust with her patients—especially those facing substance use challenges. Drawing from her own personal experiences, Paula is able to connect with these patients in a meaningful way. “They open up and are honest with me,” she says. “That connection means a lot.”
Paula believes nursing extends beyond clinical care. Whether it’s listening, offering encouragement or helping patients set realistic goals, she and her colleagues often serve as a critical source of emotional support—especially for patients who may not have family nearby. “We try to be that support system for them,” she says.
It’s that connection, combined with a strong sense of teamwork, that keeps Paula coming back each day. “Almost every shift, I have a patient say, ‘You’re the best nurse I’ve ever had—thank you for listening,’” she says. “And the team here—we truly care for each other like family. Everyone is willing to step in, help out and make sure no one feels alone, no matter how busy the day gets.” She says that level of support has made a lasting impact on her career. “After 17 years in nursing, this is the best job I’ve ever had because of the team at McDowell,” she says.