Tonya Baker, RN
Magnet Program Coordinator
I came to Holston Valley as a traveling nurse with four years’ critical care experience. I had not planned to make a permanent stop at that time. That was 10 years ago, and I am still here. Perhaps it was the challenge I found, the compassionate people I worked with, or the opportunities afforded me. I believe it was a combination of all these. I have been fortunate to find a nursing career I love at Holston Valley.
A career in nursing offers great opportunities, which I did not fully realize in the beginning. At that time, if someone had asked me if I would ever go back to school to receive a higher nursing degree, I would have laughed and said “no.” Nevertheless, today I have two national certifications of specialty, one in neuroscience nursing and the second in critical care nursing. I have completed my master’s degree in nursing, and am keeping my “options open.”
What changed my mind? I have to say it was what I found at Holston Valley. I found nurses with compassion, ambition and the willingness to invest in me. It takes just one person to do this for each of us. I found a nurse, or I should say a nurse found me, who ignited my passion, and today I feel I can achieve anything I want.
To be a nurse takes dedication, for it is hard work, but rewarding in so many ways. Patients, families, visitors and fellow workers motivate one to be the best that they can be. Here at Holston Valley, this statement is especially true. To be a nurse here is one such journey that makes me glad to be a nurse. I belong to several nursing organizations and hope one day to hold an office in one of these organizations, all because of one Holston Valley nurse who sparked my enthusiasm in nursing – thanks Rhonda.
I am here because of the people, the profession and the institution’s support in my education. I have stayed because I want to give back and inspire others to feel the same passion I have found here.