Celebrating Nurses Week: RHA Nurses Share Why They Love Their Jobs

May 13, 2025

Today and every day, RHA is so grateful for our dedicated, compassionate nurses! To celebrate Nurses Week, we reached out to several outstanding nurses to learn what makes nursing at RHA so special. 

What do you love about being a nurse?

Diane Conatser, IDD RN in TN: I love helping people, I want everyone to be happy, and I’m a “fixer.” For me, part of being happy is making sure your medical needs are met. I take my role as a nurse seriously and do my best every day to ensure that the people we support get the best medical care possible. They make me love my job and push me to be an even better nurse because they deserve only the best!

Miranda Desmond, IDD RN in NC: I love the opportunity to care for people in a way that truly matters. In my role at RHA, I support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, advocate for their well-being, and serve as a consistent, compassionate presence in their lives. I love the relationships I build—whether it’s with the individuals we support, their families, or my fellow team members. There’s a deep sense of connection and trust that forms over time, and that’s something really special. I also love that no two days are ever the same—every day brings something new, with challenges, changes, and opportunities to learn and grow. Even on tough days, I go home knowing I made a difference. That’s a gift not every profession can give, and I’m so grateful to experience it. 

Cassie Isreal, IDD RN in NC: I love the ability to bring comfort to people in their time of need. There’s something incredibly meaningful about being there for someone during their most vulnerable moments. I truly enjoy building connections with individuals we support and working with RHA staff to treat each person with kindness and compassion. Those moments make nursing so rewarding for me. 

Cristi Leming, IDD LPN in GA: The interaction we receive every day from the individuals we serve is truly priceless. It can be as simple as a smile, a handshake or hug, a picture that was colored specifically for us by them. Knowing that we impacted their lives in such a way that they want to share these interactions with us is what I love about being a nurse in the IDD community.    

Ashley Whittaker, Behavioral Health LPN in PA: I love educating, supporting, and advocating for our individuals every day. Building trusting relationships and seeing positive changes in their lives is incredibly fulfilling. I am genuinely passionate about making a difference, and nursing allows me to do just that in a profound way. 

Can you share a favorite memory at RHA?

Diane Conatser, IDD RN in TN: I have lots of wonderful memories with our people supported!  Whether it’s watching them open their presents at our annual Christmas party, dancing with them to their favorite tune, receiving hugs when they come to the office, or just talking with them, every memory with the people we support is precious to me! 

Miranda Desmond, IDD RN in NC: My favorite memories are made anytime I share genuine moments with the people we support—whether it’s a laugh during a routine visit, a smile after good news, or just being present for someone who needs it. Those everyday moments, shared with an amazing team and incredible individuals, are what stick with me the most.     

Cassie Isreal, IDD RN in NC: One of my favorite memories at RHA must be our Halloween parties at the Gastonia unit—they’re truly the best! I love the excitement that builds weeks in advance as everyone talks about their costume ideas, and it’s amazing to see the creativity and effort our staff put into bringing those ideas to life for the people we support. The costume parade and dance party are such a blast and something I look forward to every single year. It’s a time filled with laughter, joy, and unforgettable moments that really highlight the heart of our team. 

Cristi Leming, IDD LPN in GA: My favorite memory is from bringing an individual we support to my niece’s wedding as my guest. Staff helped him dress to a tee before I picked him up. He spent most of the afternoon with the bride and bridal party, and even had his picture taken with the bride before anyone else. He quickly became a star at the reception, taking pictures of everyone dancing and having a great time. Everyone praised how professional he was while snapping his pictures. He made memories that he continues to talk about today when I see him. 

Ashley Whittaker, Behavioral Health LPN in PA: One of my favorite memories at RHA has been my introduction to and ongoing engagement with the Deaf community. This experience has not only expanded my cultural competence and communication skills but has also enriched my understanding of diverse needs in healthcare. I cherish the continuous learning and connection I’ve fostered within this community, and it has genuinely transformed my approach to patient care. 

Would you or someone you know make a great RHA nurse? Learn more and apply today at rhajobs.com!