Health Care Heroes 2025 S11
SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2025 Kearney Hub www.kearneyhub.com
In Every Small Act, a Big Impact: Evelyn Najera on the Quiet Power of Nursing
EVELYN NAJERA | CHI HEALTH GOOD SAMARITAN
For Evelyn Na - jera, nursing is more than a profession— it’s a personal mis - sion rooted in empa- thy, resilience, and a belief in the power of human connection. As a Registered Nurse at CHI Good Samaritan in Kearney, Evelyn brings heart and ded- ication to every shift,
patients who need more than I can give in one shift—emotionally or physically—and it’s hard to walk away at the end of the day feeling like you left something undone.” Despite the emotional toll, Evelyn finds strength in her support systems. Her cowork- ers have become more than just colleagues— they’re a lifeline. “We lean on each other a lot. At work and outside of it. It makes a difference to know you’re not carrying it all alone.” Family and friends also play an important role in helping her maintain balance and perspective. And then there are the rewarding moments— the reminders of why it’s all worth it. Eve - lyn recalls one particular patient who had been admitted in a confused, agitated state. Over several days, she worked with the pa - tient’s wife, trying different strategies to bring him comfort. As the confusion began to lift, the man became more present and engaged, and during his final days in the hospital, he was no longer combative, but cheerful. “We stood around his bed laughing and joking. He didn’t remember the tough days, but we did—and seeing him like that was incredible. Being part of that transformation felt like a gift.” There have been other meaningful experi- ences, too—moments that reminded her she’s making a real difference. She recalls a time when a patient she’d cared for during one hospital stay returned and recognized her immediately. “He looked at me and said, ‘I’m so glad it’s you again.’ That moment just hit me. To be remembered, to have someone happy that you’re there—that’s what makes me proud to be a nurse.” Evelyn is also proud of the less visible but equally important work she does—being a consistent, steady presence during some of the most vulnerable times in a person’s life. Even when a patient’s story doesn’t end in recovery, even when there’s no big celebration or discharge day, she knows that her presence still matters. “Sometimes it’s just sitting with someone, being kind, making them feel human in a place that can feel so clinical.”
In every quiet conversation, every reassuring touch, every moment of recognition from a patient or their family, Evelyn Najera continues to embody what nursing is truly about: being there, showing up, and offering your best—even on the hard - est days. Through her story, we see how small acts of care can leave a big imprint on some- one’s life—and how meaningful that is for those who give it, too.
Her advice for those considering a career in healthcare is clear: go in with open eyes and an open heart. “Shadow someone. See what the day-to-day really looks like. It’s not always glamorous—it’s hard, messy, and emotional. But if one area doesn’t feel right, keep looking. There’s so much variety in healthcare, and somewhere out there is a place where your skills and your heart will be a perfect match.” Evelyn’s love for nursing hasn’t faded— it’s evolved. She still believes in the mission that first drew her in: to be a source of com - fort, strength, and humanity in a setting that often feels overwhelming and sterile. “We may not be able to fix everything,” she says, “but we can make the experience just a little better. That’s where the impact is—in those little things.”
Evelyn Najera
knowing that even the smallest moments can have a lasting impact. With 2.5 years in the healthcare field, her journey is still unfolding, but it’s already rich with mean - ing, growth, and hard-earned perspective. Evelyn knew early on that healthcare was her path. As a child, she watched her mother navigate a hospital stay, and it was the nurses—those calm, steady presences— who stood out most. “They were the ones who made her smile,” Evelyn remembers. “They couldn’t fix everything, but they made it better. That inspired me.” That mem- ory has stayed with her, shaping how she ap- proaches her own patients today—with care that is not just clinical, but deeply human. Still, the job is not without its emotional weight. Evelyn is candid about the internal struggle many nurses face: trying to draw a boundary between work and home. “Some of the hardest moments come after the shift ends,” she says. “You go home and keep think- ing about your patients—did I do enough? Are they okay?” It’s difficult, she explains, to spend 12 or 13 hours caring for someone and then try to leave that concern behind. Over time, she’s learned to accept that doing her best must be enough, even when the emotional tug is strong. One of the most emotionally challenging aspects of the job, Evelyn says, is simply not having enough time. In a hospital setting where every second counts and every patient has unique needs, she sometimes finds herself wishing for just a few more minutes to sit, to talk, or to offer comfort. “There are
Humankindness heals. Nurses make it happen. Humankindness is never far away, thanks to the nurses in our community. You bring healing, comfort and unwavering dedication to every patient, everyday. From our clinics to hospitals, you are the heart of our commitment to better health. Thank you for all you do.
CHIhealth.com/GoodSamaritan
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