The photo above is with the Basin Nurse Honor Guard. They are a group of volunteers that recognizes and honors nurses who have passed away. These nurses were paying tribute to a colleague who had passed away a week before her graduation.
Meet Cindy Bell, a wonderful nurse with over 30 years of experience. She and her husband, Robert, have a beautiful extended family of 5 grown children and are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their 11th grandchild. Getting to know Cindy personally has been impactful and inspiring. We appericate Cindy.
Why nursing? What is your why?
“Throughout my childhood, I thought I wanted to be a teacher. My primary educators had such an impact on my early education, and I wanted to honor them by following in their footsteps. However, when I got married at 19 to a US Airman, I knew I needed a career that I could do quickly and I would never struggle to find a job. By God’s grace, I ended up in a vocational nursing program. Due to financial difficulties, I stayed as an LVN for 17 years. I went through a divorce and knew I needed to further my education to provide as a single Mom, so my journey back to school started. Through mutual friends, I met Robert, who later became my husband. He encouraged me to concentrate on school and seek my RN degree and, later, my BSN. He became my source of support and biggest cheerleader. My children will remain as my why. I strive to set an example for them and want them to succeed in their careers as well.”
Share what God has shown you in choosing this path.
“I know God exists, and it is evident in my everyday activities at work. I know that God has healed many of my patients when there wasn’t much hope left for them. I have seen procedures that still amaze me as to how nursing and technology have advanced. I have been present when a baby’s first breath is taken and when a patient with cancer takes their last breath. Only God’s grace can explain the miracle of life and what I encounter daily.”
“Being a nurse means holding a patient’s hand when they fear the unknown of a new diagnosis. It means giving a hug when a doctor delivers bad news with a poor prognosis. It means wiping tears when words can’t express feelings because a stroke has affected speech. It means explaining what the doctor just said in terms that the patient and family understand. It means teaching a patient about their medication and how it works. Being a nurse means so much more than just giving shots, changing bandages, or starting IVs. It’s a rewarding experience that never gets old because I know God’s healing comes to my patients through my touch.”
Can you share any experience of how God showed up at work?
“Some days are hard, but He never fails on hard days; God still shows up big! God has shown up in my patients who deliver a hug when I need it most. God shows up in the smile of the patient who is here for the last time because they no longer need treatments. I had a patient who would pray over me and my peers and would offer a blessing upon us each time he would visit; sadly he passed away earlier this year. I miss him and I miss his prayers upon me, although reminiscing about him brings me comfort and peace.”
How has your faith helped you in your life?
“My faith has grown so much through my life experiences. I don’t have any regrets as I know that my past experiences prepared me for what God has planned for me down the road. I have found that as my faith has grown my stress level has diminished. The big problems in life have become small nuances. Trusting in what God’s plans are for me helps me face every day without fear.”
Pictured Cindy with CEO of MCH Mr. Tippin honoring Cindy as the Nurse of the month by her peers.
How do you stay encouraged on hard days?
“Listening to Christian music at work helps keep me focused and gives my heart encouragement on the tough days. Pausing to say a quick prayer before work provides a sense of peace. And laughter…. laughter can mend broken hearts and heal the hurting.”
What, in your opinion, in your field makes a difference in our society?
“I believe that nurses provide peace and comfort to patients that other professionals can’t provide. Compassion from nurses who truly love the profession can make the healing process so much easier.”
What encouragement can you share with other nurses?
“Never forget that through you our God heals! Always provide care with compassion and understanding! You can make a difference when you provide care the way Jesus loved and cared for those around him.”
These verses bring me comfort and remind me of God’s goodness in my life.
Hebrews 6:10 “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight.”
I do my job with love and compassion because that is who I am and I love what I do!
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