A Call to Serve
I’ll never forget that first summer day when I walked into the geriatric extended care center as a 13-year-old volunteer.
The pungent odor of air freshener overwhelmed me as I was greeted by patients yearning to converse. It was my job to assist physical and occupational therapists, support nurses, respond to residents’ call lights, talk with patients, and provide lots of hugs. The summer gave me insight into how both invisible and harrowing death and dying could be when I would return to a patient’s room and find it clean and empty.
Growing up, I was always drawn to pursuing a healthcare career. Disease processes intrigued me, and I felt deep satisfaction in caring for others. While in college, I studied sports medicine and became a certified athletic trainer. After graduating and working for various sports camps, though, I recognized something was missing. I wanted my impact to have a greater purpose and to feel part of something larger than myself.
When I enlisted as a medic in the U.S. Army, I found my true calling. Despite the challenging and austere conditions of wartime environments, I felt fulfilled to serve my country and utilize my medical skills. It was my chance to care for brave servicemen and women and provide aid and comfort to civilians caught in the crossfire.
My work has also tested me in ways I could have never imagined. In addition to physicality and mental toughness, I learned to think critically, remain calm and focused under extreme pressure, and adapt to rapidly changing environments where resources are scarce. With each challenge, my passion for healthcare grew stronger, and I drew inspiration from several resilient, compassionate, caring nurses who opened my eyes to all that nursing embodied. So, when the opportunity to apply for nursing school arose, I jumped at the chance to pursue my BSN.
Now, as I wear the uniform that represents our nation and my commitment to serve others, I am filled with a profound sense of purpose. Whether treating a wounded warrior injured in combat, providing humanitarian aid in areas ravaged by disaster, or offering care and support to fellow nurses, my work matters. I see acts of bravery, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication from my patients and my military colleagues. It pushes me to be better, to give more of myself, and to never lose sight of why I chose this path. My journey has been anything but ordinary, but it’s why I am where I need to be today, proud and honored to serve.
A member of the U.S. Army since 2009, Ross is a Clinical Nurse Specialist in the Center for Nursing Science and Clinical Inquiry at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany.
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