This Nurses Week, L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth is supporting Operation Happy Nurse to highlight nurses doing incredible things in their field. We’re thrilled to kick off Nurses Week by introducing you to our 5 incredible honorees: Brianda Meza, Carrie Fanning, Lilly Stamper, Kristen Perez and Ashley Reil!
Brianda Meza:
What are you passionate about in the field of nursing?
I am passionate about being able to help my patients when they are in their most vulnerable and crucial moments of their life. I am passionate about helping children and ensuring they can live their healthiest life.
What do you do for yourself to prioritize your mental health and wellness?
I prioritize my own health and wellness by staying consistent with yoga and pilates. On my days off I like to go on hikes with friends and take my roommates dog to the beach and dog park.
What makes you feel beautiful?
What makes me feel beautiful is being in a good head space where I feel confident, comfortable and positive.
Carrie Fanning:
What keeps you in the field of nursing?
My patients and the people I work with!
Tell us about a day in your nursing career that you’re exceptionally proud of.
I day that stands out to me is when a patient came in with his AA mentor into Triage. The patient told me that he wanted to quit drinking and I responded with “today is a great day to quit and I know you can do it” the mentor looked up at me and then over at my patient and said “that’s what she told me seven years ago when I quit.”
What do you do for yourself to prioritize your mental health and wellness?
When I am not working in the ER, I can be found on the family ranch. I absolutely love the ranching lifestyle that keeps me grounded.
Lilly Stamper
What led you to the field of nursing?
I have always loved helping people since I was young. I did a CNA class in high school and really enjoyed it. I went to college at a school that didn’t have nursing. I got a degree in Public Health; unsure of what I really wanted to do with my life. At college I met the love of my life and after we got married he encouraged me to pursue a nursing degree. I started working as a patient care tech and got my LPN license. I then worked towards my RN degree while I worked as an LPN.
What keeps you in the field of nursing?
I can say that I truly enjoy my job. I work on a step down unit. Some days are really hard yet so rewarding. My coworkers are also great. Everyone is ready to assist one another even if it is something small. I truly feel like I am doing my life calling. I think it also helps that the world of nursing is so broad. If I even feel like I need a change, I know that I can find something else in nursing that would be completely different then where I am now.
What makes you feel beautiful?
I feel beautiful when I am able to take my time getting ready in the morning: doing my freshly washed hair, make up, picking out an outfit that represents my personality. I feel confident when I am able to get ready to conquer a day that I feel gives people a glimpse of who I am at the first look. After wearing scrubs all week, I will always enjoy doing my hair/makeup and wearing a dressed up outfit for a date night or a night going out with friends. I feel beautiful after working out because I did something for great myself. I feel beautiful when I get an unexpected compliment from someone about how they love the way I look that day even when I didn’t intend to look amazing that day or don’t feel that beautiful myself. Lastly, I feel beautiful inside and out when I am smiling.
Kristen Perez
What keeps you in the field of nursing?
There is only one thing. The patients. Those one off moments where you have a spark with your patient. A kind word, a really funny joke, a change of heart, an understanding of education, or a moment of gratitude.
What are you passionate about in the field of nursing?
I eat, sleep, and breathe nursing legislation and policy! I never thought it would be something I cared about or even needed to be aware of. Now it occupies my mind constantly. How can I make the profession better by codifying staffing ratio standards and other policies into law to protect nurses and patients?
Tell us about a day in your nursing career that you’re exceptionally proud of.
There was a day where I had the most lovely patient. A sweet lady who was so complimentary and grateful for all the care she had received. We talked about our love of Puerto Rico our neighborhood here in Chicago, and her career as an educator. We shared laughs and smiles together all day. When it was time for me to leave that day she said “I’m proud of you!” She stopped me in my tracks. I opened my mouth, but was a little speechless at first! I was wearing a mask so she couldn’t see that, but she knew. She said, “you are from Nuestra Barrio and I am proud of you!” And thinking about that moment makes me cry every time! To be seen. To be heard. To be acknowledged by this woman who didn’t necessarily come from the exact same place as I did but knew we were still gente. And to know she felt safe and connected and taken care of by me meant everything.
Ashley Reil
What are you passionate about in the field of nursing?
I’m passionate about so many things! Caring for the tiniest and most vulnerable population and helping their families navigate the hardest journey they may ever be on. Advocating for not only the patient but the families and teaching them and supporting them from the very beginning until the very end. No parent asks to be in the NICU and it can be a terrifying place with terrifying words and noises and being the calming presence that helps them touch or hold their baby for the very first time is so very special. Having the unique opportunity to help someone when they are at their most vulnerable is extraordinary.
What do you do for yourself to prioritize your mental health and wellness?
I make sure to take time out of my off days to get outside with my 2 year old puppy and get some physical activity in. Having an energetic little guy makes it easy to get motivated to get out there and enjoy a walk, run, hike, etc. It makes a huge difference for my mental health and helps me clear my head and regroup while also burning off some of his puppy energy at the same time! Everyone should have a puppy or two!
What makes you feel beautiful?
Taking time for myself! Getting lots of good sleep! Probably more than most! And having time to get some physical activity in and prepare for the day. Getting in the right headspace helps me feel my best physically so definitely prioritizing taking care of my emotional well-being. Also never trying to take myself too seriously. Remembering to laugh and enjoy all the small things! A hot shower and a little makeup never hurt either.
Check out the Operation Happy Nurse Instagram this week for more information on our amazing honorees!