Penny Divin, RN
Scott & White Hospital - Brenham
1980s, says the nurses try to give their
patients not only the medical attention
they need but also the emotional support
they crave. “When you don’t feel good,
you want your mama. So, we’re mom
substitutes,” she says.
As Ms. Divin juggles patients and
paperwork, Ms. Scheel offers her a
break so she can enjoy a home-cooked
meal the director herself has prepared.
Ms. Divin and her colleagues settle into
a small break room, eating, laughing,
and enjoying each other’s company.
“We have a really great team of nurses
here who are wonderful to work with.
They’re always there to help you,” she
says. Before lunch is over, Ms. Divin is
alerted that another patient—the second
one that day—has arrived. The nurse
takes a last sip of her caffeinated drink,
then hurries to the bedside of another
new mom who needs the reassurance
and joyful banter of a nurse who loves
her job. n
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