Made to Care: Celebrating Remarkable Nurses This Nurses Week

May 6, 2025

With minds full of knowledge, skillful hands and loving hearts, nurses are made to care. Their compassion and dedication allow patients and their families to experience more hope and healing.

This National Nurses Week, we celebrate each of the nurses at Adventist Health Sonora — all 509 of them! — and commend them for the loving care they provide for our community.

Get to know a few remarkable nurses across our organization below, and be sure to say thank you to the nurses you know this week!

What initially drew you to nursing, and how has that passion evolved over time?

I was in a refugee camp in the 1990s, where I witnessed nurses saving lives and fell in love with it. When I immigrated to the United States, I decided to go back to school and did my associate degree in Nursing at Modesto Junior College. Now, I am finishing my BSN at Chico State. My goal is to be a Critical Care Nurse Practitioner.

Vainqueur Rutikanga, RN, MedSurg

What initially drew me to nursing was wanting to help people. In 2011, I had a health scare and spent a week in the hospital and then a month thinking about what the point of me being on this earth was. After much soul searching, and praying, I feel God put me here to provide comfort to those who are suffering.

Jamie Carroll, RN, Sierra Care Center

I had a great experience with nursing staff when my young son had a seizure. The care and compassion I felt from those healthcare workers helped me decide to pursue a career in healthcare. That passion continues to grow.

Hayley Sheldon, RN, CMSRN, ONC, MedSurg

What initially drew me to nursing was my own experience with childbirth. I faced challenges during my last delivery, and the nurses who cared for me left a lasting impression. Their compassion, professionalism, and calming presence made a difficult time feel manageable. It was in those moments I realized the profound impact nurses can have on someone's life.

Stephanie Wheat, BSN, RNC-OB, Lactation Certified, Labor and Delivery

My mom was an OB nurse for over 45 years, 30 of them at Adventist Health. I started volunteering at the old Birth Center as a teenager and knew that I eventually wanted to be like her. When she retired in 2013, I took her place in the Birth Center. In the Birth Center, we are part of amazing, happy moments, but also take part in times of incalculable sadness. Nurses are needed during both of those moments, and I want to be that person.

Emily Atencio, BSN, RNC, Labor and Delivery

My grandmother and mother were both RNs, so I had amazing examples of kindness, caring, and compassion for others. My passion has evolved from direct patient care to supporting new grads and RNs and being an example of being supportive and caring to others.

Bob Heaton, BSN, RN, CEN, PHN, EMT, Residency Coordinator

I have worked as a telemetry nurse on MedSurg for years, but I recently joined Pacific Union College as a nursing clinical instructor. I have been inspired by my nursing students and my own curiosity sparked once again. Their eagerness to learn is contagious and inspired me to join the ICU transition in practice program, where I’m expanding my knowledge and skill level to provide a new level of care.

Elizabeth Ortiz, RN, ICU

How do you stay inspired during challenging times as a nurse?

I believe life is all about perspective. How you choose to view a situation can shape the experience in a positive or negative way. Maintaining a positive outlook on life is infectious. Everyone experiences challenges but viewing them as an opportunity to grow and facing them with a positive outlook can make all the difference.

Shea Stead, RN, Sierra Care Center

I stay inspired during challenging times by reflecting on my "why,” talking to more experienced colleagues, and finding new things that I can learn through those challenges.

Rylee Hollenbeck, RN, MedSurg

Staying inspired during challenging times often comes down to reconnecting with my deep sense of purpose in helping others, and the camaraderie with my colleagues that keeps me going. I find it deeply fulfilling to provide support, reassurance, and care to patients during some of their most vulnerable moments. Being present during these significant times is truly a privilege – it’s a powerful and sometimes even magical experience.

Stephanie Wheat, BSN, RNC-OB, Lactation Certified, Labor and Delivery

What is your go-to way to recharge after a busy week as a nurse?

Driving home to my cabin in the mountains. I have an amazing view and access to the outdoors. Skiing, hiking, camping, and lake days!

Heidi Marinics, RN, BSN, ONC, Lead Orthopedic Educator

Snuggling my pups on the couch while my husband brings me snacks!

Emily Atencio, BSN, RNC, Labor and Delivery

I love to spend time gardening. Being outdoors and watching the hard work payoff is very rewarding.

Shea Stead, RN, Sierra Care Center

I recharge by working in my garden, baking, and playing with my animals. My family keeps me inspired, too – they’re my why. I always want to make them proud.

Samantha Killian-Bailey RN, CPAN, CAPA, Surgery

Finish this sentence: I am made for more ____________.

More living out my calling. I walk alongside women in their most vulnerable, powerful moments, bringing comfort, strength, and compassion when they need it the most. I am here to serve with purpose, to lift others up, and to live out the calling God placed on my life. Whether it's through a gentle word, a steady hand, or a prayer whispered in the quiet, I know I'm exactly where I'm meant to be.

Melissa Olson, RN, BSN, Labor and Delivery

More than just going to work and going home. I am here to make a difference in people's lives by providing them care and compassion.

Janeen Loewen, BSN, RN, Case Management

More adventures. I love people, exploring new places and being open to new experiences. Working hard to solve problems and help others brings me joy. That started with an adventure in education, and transitioned into nursing and taking care of people.