Rooted in Gratitude, Fueled by Care
Amy Crump always had a desire to care for others. While she originally thought she wanted to be a teacher, the anatomy and physiology classes she took in high school changed that desire when she found herself amazed by the human body. This interest led her to seek out careers that combined caring for others with the science of the human body. In her words, “Nursing was a perfect fit!”
During her 23 years as an RN, she has worked in many different areas including acute care areas in the hospital setting, telephone triage from her home for several years and within an OB/GYN clinic. Amy explained, “I have learned something new in each area I've been in that has helped inform my knowledge base and skill set.”
The position she held prior to coming to Centra Bedford Memorial Hospital was an administrative management position, and while she liked aspects of that job, she realized that the true reward for her in nursing was at the bedside. This realization led her to look for acute care positions with Centra, and she came across a limbo position on Med-Surg at BMH.
From the moment she entered the building and had her interview, she immediately felt that she had come home. Amy emphasized, “We are a family at Bedford, and the culture is one of support and encouragement. This environment has been instrumental in my growth and success at the bedside. I truly love and appreciate my Bedford family!”
As the Professional Nurse Governance (PNG) co-chair at BMH, Amy has had the opportunity to interact and network with Centra’s nursing leadership on a monthly basis. “I can truly say that our nursing leaders are the fiercest advocates for direct care nurses. They listen and respond to the concerns that our direct care nurses have and are passionate about providing opportunities for nurses to continue to grow and excel,” she expressed. She went on to explain how at Centra, she has been able to reach her professional goals while providing patient care, and that this is a direct result of the time, effort and energy our nursing leadership contributes to the organization.
One of Amy’s favorite memories from her time at Centra was receiving the Nurse of the Year Award in April. She recounted how she was in a patient room, and someone asked if she could step out for a moment. When she did, the intensive care unit was filled with executive nursing leadership, physicians, staff nurses, chaplain, PT/OT and unit leadership. “In other words, my people and my team were a part of this special moment. I couldn't think of anything more fitting, because they have each been instrumental in my success,” she noted.
Amy pointed out that while she has worked in some difficult settings with less-than-optimal conditions during her career, she can honestly say that she would not change a thing. Each opportunity has allowed her to learn and grow along with meet amazing people and develop skills that she would not have gained otherwise.
When we asked her what is one piece of advice you have never forgotten, she shared, “My father once told me that in each situation, every day, no matter how difficult, we can always find something to be grateful for. I try to practice gratitude every time I work, and it really does shift my perspective. I don't have to go to work; I get to go to work!”
When Amy is not Centra, you’re likely to find her serving in her local church and its children’s ministry or spending time gardening, hiking or reading.
Her final words for her fellow Caregivers?
“I'd like to thank Centra's nursing leadership and my BMH family for sharing in this celebration and supporting me for so many years. My success is a direct result of the teamwork and excellent leadership we have at BMH. This is a team win!”
