From the heart: A nurse’s mission to make a difference

This piece is sponsored by LifeScape.

“I envision myself as a nurse who is not only skilled and knowledgeable but is also compassionate and empathetic, making a meaningful difference in the lives of my patients and contributing to a healthier community.”

The ability to make a real difference in someone’s life is at the core of why Julia Boos became a nurse.

“I am passionate about helping and caring for others,” she explained. “I knew someday, once my children were older, that I wanted to go to nursing school. I knew that by becoming a nurse I would have the opportunity to make a real difference, and that’s something that has always been important to me.”

Nurses play a critical role in our lives, but not all nurses have the same day-to-day routine. However, no matter if they are on the hospital floor, in a clinic or another capacity, they are all key to the health of everyone. That’s why this week, across the nation, they are being recognized for all they do as part of National Nurses Week.

At LifeScape, nurses like Boos help people supported throughout their life.

“We have a wide range of responsibilities at LifeScape that include direct patient care, advocacy, education and providing support for families and caregivers,” she said. For six of her 11 years as a registered nurse, she has worked at LifeScape in adult services.

“Seeing the residents like Dana and Patsy at work just puts a big smile on my face,” she said.

From scheduling labs to ensuring appointments are being kept up to date, being a nurse in adult services is also about building relationships.

“I enjoy working with our adults supported because they can interact more with you and their needs vary, so you’re always learning something new,” Boos said.

“Working at LifeSscape is not the easiest nursing job I’ve ever had, but it is certainly the most rewarding. Many of our adult residents live in our residential homes. I get to go out in the community and see our adult residents on a regular basis to cover any medical care they may need.”

At LifeScape, an entire team is behind the care and well-being of each person supported. Every year, each resident in the adult services program meets with their team, which consists of their family or guardian, nurse, program coordinator, coordinator of support services, day services staff and external case manager to review their goals and plans, and to make sure they are living their best life.

“I just adore seeing the residents smiling, happy and just loving living their lives. Sometimes, I may inspire them, but often, they inspire me,” Boos said. “Building meaningful relationships with adults like Dana and Patsy brings such joy into my life, and because they are just as involved in their day to day as their team is, they are gaining what they need to live as independent life as possible.”

Projections show a continued shortage of nurses in the coming years that has been exacerbated by the 2020 global pandemic. This has led many in the field to look for different nursing opportunities, which is why Boos said it’s important to share what all aspects of nursing look like for those considering a change.

“Out of all the nursing jobs I’ve had, working at LifeScape has by far been the best and most rewarding,” Boos said. “I’d encourage nurses looking to make a difference in the lives of adults and children with diverse needs to give LifeScape a try.”

To see what current positions are available or to learn more about LifeScape, visit LifeScapeSD.org.