HealthLinks Upstate May/June 2020

48 | www.UpstatePhysiciansSC.com | www.HealthLinksUpstate.com KACY MORGAN, RN It was a high school health science class that sealed the deal for Kacy Morgan on becoming a nurse. “I was always interested in nursing, but the health science class solidified my deci - sion,” she said. She obtained a CNA license at that young age and worked in a family practice. Later she decided to give home health a try after obtaining her LPN in 2008 and her RN in 2010. She now works for Health Related Home Care. “After over seven years of home health experience, four with this agency, I know I am right where I need to be,” she explained. “I enjoy getting to work one-on-one with patients and their families in their home environment, which is where they are most comfortable.” Her advice to aspiring nurses is to never give up: “Nursing school wasn’t easy, but I wouldn’t take anything back. I love serving patients in my community on a daily basis.” KATIE BURRIS, BSN, RN Katie Burris admits that her inspiration to become a nurse came from her moth- er: “My mother is a nurse, and her pas- sion for nursing inspires me every day to make a difference in the lives of others. I always aspire to be as great a nurse as she was.” Her mother is the CEO for Palladium Hospice and Palliative Care. As a school nurse at Holly Springs-Motlow Elementary, Burris said she loves everything about her job. “From educating kids on healthy habits, taking care of them when they are sick or hurt, being an advocate for them or just being a listening ear – I love it all,” she said. She concluded, “Nursing is not for everyone, but it was for me and for that I am truly grateful. It’s definitely not easy, but it is rewarding. If I can make a difference in the life of one child, it will have all been worth it.” ASHTYN POMEROY, LPN Ashtyn Pomeroy said she knew she wanted to be a nurse from the mo- ment she understood what it meant to care for someone else. “I have always enjoyed taking care of people and being able to help them in any way I can,” she said. New Horizon Family Health Services gave Ashtyn her first job as a nurse, and that’s where she continues to work today as a charge nurse. “It has expanded my desire to take care of others and opened me up to this passion I have for people and the community. I enjoy learning new things and meeting people of all ages from all walks of life,” she explained. She said she loves the fact that there are so many ave- nues in nursing: “Find your passion and let that drive you to be the best nurse you can be. We make a difference!” She concluded: “Do it from the heart or not at all. Nursing is a work of heart.” KIMBERLY JONES, RN Kimberly Jones had always wanted to be a nurse but hadn’t pursued it un- til fate took over and she was laid off at her job at a textile mill. It was then that she decided to go back to school for nursing. Losing her job was one reason she wanted to become a nurse, but the other reason was because of her grandmother, who at that time was facing blindness in both eyes due to macular degeneration. “Watching my grandmother deteriorate made me realize that I had to get my nursing degree,” Jones said. She now works for Health Related Home Care in Green - wood, and she has never looked back. Her advice to new nurses is simple. “Don’t do it for the money. You have to love people and love helping them to do this job well.” T H E P U L S E O N UPSTATE NURSES HealthLinks Upstate has partnered with Health Related Home Care to highlight some of the Upstate’s top nurses.