They know what they’re in for – the physical challenges, emotional roller coasters, personal sacrifices and the demands to keep up with constantly changing procedures, therapies and technology – and they’re more than just glad to do it. Most nurses actually dreamed of it as children and, even after years in the field, couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

Nurses perform selflessly every day. It’s part of the job description: Give up nights, weekends and holidays; put your own health on the line; work under intense pressure where the wrong decision could cost a person’s life; and do it with a good attitude and a servant’s heart. More than a paycheck, nursing is a vocation, a calling, said 17-year veteran Brandi Worthy, nurse coordinator of the surgery clinic at Russell Medical.