2026 Nurse’s Week the Power of Nurses: 30+ Years of Care in Action
The Power of Nurses: 30+ Years of Care in Action
During National Nurses Week 2026 (May 6–12), HaysMed is honored to spotlight nurses with 30+ years of experience, professionals who have witnessed change, faced challenges head-on, and continued to lead with compassion. Their stories reflect the true power of nursing and the lasting impact it has on lives, families, and our community.
Melissa Portenier, HaysMed OR
What’s something you know now about nursing that you wish you’d known your first year?
“The first year in the OR can be quite overwhelming, stick with it and the satisfaction of knowing that your patients are well taken care of with great outcomes. The advancements in OR will be amazing and how the progression of procedures changing with patients not having to be in the hospital for an extended amount of time but going home the next day!”
In 30+ years, what moment best reminds you why you became a nurse?
“Taking care of a patient in the OR with a ruptured AAA that the outcome looked bleak and seeing that patient walk back into our OR, months later to tell us thank you.”
Would you rather deal with a beeping IV pump all night or a squeaky chair at the nurses’ station?
“I would rather deal with a squeaky chair because I would be able to switch it out or use some spray to help the squeak.”
What’s one word your coworkers would use to describe your nursing style?
“Teamwork, because in the OR it takes a team for a procedure to be completed and have great outcomes.”
Denise Pfeifer, RN
What role have you played most often in your unit: teacher, problem-solver, peacemaker, cheerleader, or all of the above?
“For many years I have lectured and trained the Radiology tech students from FHSU on Infection control, obtain vital signs, contrast reactions issues, vasovagal signs and treatment, IV starts and treatment of infiltrations with contrast. I have worked with many different areas of HMC to provide the safest, most efficient, and best quality of care to our patients. I have assisted the Radiologist in troubling issues and work within our modalities and Inpatient units to coordinated procedures for patients. I try each day to acknowledge and thank my co-workers for their assistance, caring, and efforts to provide the best patient care and image of our department.”
What patient interaction has stayed with you the longest?
“There are so many experiences I have enjoyed over the years with our patients. One that stands out to me is a patient I assisted during a procedure and then I checked on him the next day to see how he was doing. He was so appreciative of how we listened to him, answered his questions, showed him compassion and understanding, that he brought flowers to me, mailed me a card, and then reached out to thank me via phone call. This is so rewarding to me and helps me feel appreciated every day at HMC.”
Would you rather have unlimited chocolate or unlimited coffee?
“Dark Chocolate – but cold flavored coffee is good also.”
What makes HaysMed feel like home to you?
“The Imaging techs in Radiology and our office staff are willing to work together and assist or just listen to each other as we share stories, etc. We do group events that give us time to visit and celebrate together. We can share our personal stories and just have FUN. There’s always a snack to be found in our department as some of us love to bake! It’s rewarding to me to walk through the halls and different departments saying “Good Morning” or “Hello” to others and then they reply back or just to help someone find their way to a certain area.”
Shawn Mulkey, Case Manager
What’s something you appreciate more now than you did early in your career?
“Early in my career I was focused on perfecting my skills and tasks at hand, but as time went on, I appreciated the personal aspect more, like listening, consoling and simply being present for patients during their challenging and vulnerable moments.”
What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received from a patient or family member?
“The most meaningful compliments I received were not necessarily based on skills or technique, but rather on the emotional impact or how I made them feel. I would say the best compliment I received was from a family member letting me know that I made the end of life process easier on them, showing them compassion and making them feel at peace as well as allowing their loved one to pass with dignity and respect.”
Would you rather have never-ending coffee or never-ending patience?
“If I am being honest, I’d choose never-ending patience.”
What advice do you give new nurses or healthcare workers who are just starting out?
“There are no dumb questions. It is okay to ask for help. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Give yourself grace. And most importantly, learning in nursing is a lifetime process.”
Dionne Werth, NICU RN
What’s a piece of “unofficial nursing wisdom” you’ve picked up over the years?
“Never say the “Q” word. Don’t say “quiet” “slow” or “calm” on the unit unless you want chaos to ensue immediately!”
How has working at HaysMed shaped you, both professionally and personally?
“Nursing has definitely made me a better person. It’s taught me to problem solve & remain calm in times of crisis and chaos.”
Would you rather redo your very first shift or fast-forward through your hardest one?
“I would rather redo my first shift to spend time again with the nurses and doctors who taught me so much and shaped me into the nurse that I am today.”
What’s something about being a nurse that the public doesn’t always see?
“We don’t spend our shift “rocking babies”. But we do get to witness the miracle of new life and make a difference in the lives of the families that we meet along the way. We sacrifice time with our own families to take care of your family. Our toughest shifts remain in our minds and hearts forever.”
Dyane Manhart, RN
What’s one tradition, habit, or routine you’ve kept throughout your career?
“I have always carried a million different colored pens in my pockets, just in case…”
What’s been the most rewarding part of caring for patients in western Kansas?
“Working in labor and delivery I have delivered several babies in the same family and it’s fun to see the “babies” several years later!”
Would you rather have a shift with no call lights or no charting?
“It would be great just to take care of patients without the need to chart!”
What are you most proud of in your nursing career at HaysMed?
“I am most proud of the fact that I have worked here this long and have great coworkers! I am also proud to have helped so many patients when they were down and out and to deliver so many babies!”
