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NURSES: THE HEART OF HEALTH CARE Sunday, May 8, 2022 THERESA CANTZ“Igrew up in Long Island and moved to Whitehall,New York with my family when I was 18 years old.I was not sure what I wanted to do for work. I wentto college and was referred to Warren Washington AlbanyARC (WWAARC) by my cousin. I started working thereas a Direct Support Professional per diem at the age of19. I loved it.I didn’t finish college when I first enrolled at after highschool. I got married and had kids. While working at theARC as the Director of Training, I saw how developmentaldisabilities nurses were in very high demand. That’s whenI realized the time was right for me. I went back to school.Now I’m the Director of Nursing at the WWAARC. Wesupport people with intellectual and other developmentaldisabilities in both residential homes and day services.It sounds cliché, but helping people is the best partabout being a healthcare professional. Our team of nurseswork so closely together to proactively look after thefolks we support on our caseloads. We advocate acrosshealthcare specialists for what is needed to promote thegood health of our patients. In developmental disabilitiesSTATS:Current Employer is WWAARC,Director of Nursing.RNWarren-Washington-Albany ARCnursing, you have a unique ability to build relationshipswith your patients – an opportunity that you don’t havein other clinical settings.The pandemic has been a huge challenge, obviously.The mental health of the folks we support has been impacted tremendously.Another challenge is how other health care professionalsperceive the needs of the folks we support and the true socialroles they maintain in our community. There is so much advocacy required in developmental disability nursing.Working with such a great team of nurses gets me excited about my work. Getting to see the long-term impactof our efforts is very gratifying. Seeing the results of therelationships we build with our patients, their familiesand the direct support staff is as well.I have two sons, ages 20 and 11 years old. My 20 yearold son is in the SUNY Adirondack nursing program rightnow. His goal is to be a psychiatric nurse practitioner. Thisgets me excited about life outside of work. I’m a singlemom and a nurse, so that limits my hobbies – but I dolove yard work!”Graduated in 2019 fromSUNY Adirondack.During our pinning ceremony she was awarded the Daisy Award for Nursing Students andthe Riley Olson SUNY Adirondack Nursing Award.SUNYACC.EDUCONGRATULATIONS AND THANK YOUTO OUR HEALTH CARE HEROESGREAT FUTURES START HEREEXPANDED HEALTH CARE OFFERINGS“SUNY ADIRONDACK WAS THE BEST DECISION I MADE.”Krystiana Norman, 2020 graduate, critical care nurse at St. Peter’s HospitalQUEENSBURY SARATOGA ONLINECONGRATULATIONSTheresa CantzDirector of NursingFor being selected as one of the top ten nurses in our community!Theresa is a valued member of the WWAARC family with years ofdedication to the people we support, and WWAARC’s mission andvision! We are so pleased Theresa has been recognized for thewonderful Nurse and person she is!5

6 Sunday, May 8, 2022 NURSES: THE HEART OF HEALTH CAREDORIAN CUNNIFFERNHudson Headwaters Health Network & Glens Falls Hospital“Icannot remember a time when I did “I am so grateful and vaccinate patients who would have othnot want to be a nurse. I have been aerwise had no means of getting the vaccine.and humbledRegistered Nurse since 1993. RightThis is just a small part of how we are able tonow, I work full time as a Registered Nurseto be honored support some of our most vulnerable.Care Manager for Hudson Headwaters HealthOutside of work, my husband of 24 yearsas a healthcare andNetwork, in the Homeward Bound (PathI are about to send out last child off toprofessional.” college. We will become empty nesters. Thereways) Program. This is a program for patientswith chronic illnesses that make it difficultare lots of changes to come in my life, but I’mDorian Cunniffe, RNfor them to leave their homes. The programexcited for the journey! I am the proud motherfocuses on providing in-home care to theseof 4 amazing children and 2 grandchildren.patients. I also work per diem at Glens Falls Hospital, in When I am not working, I love to spend time gardening andPerioperative Services.cooking. Big family celebrations are my favorite.Being a health care professional is very rewarding.I am so grateful and humbled to be honored as a healthThere is always someone you can help!care professional. I have worked with so many amazingThe most challenging part of being a health care pro- nurses throughout my career who undoubtedly shapedfessional would definitely be dealing with the lack of re- me into the nurse I want to be today.”sources in this region available to our elderly population.Dorian’s colleagues say the following about her:The Homeward bound Program at Hudson Headwaters “Dorian makes a big impact on her patients every day,affords me the opportunity to help fill some of the void consistently going above and beyond for them. She isfor the elderly and homebound of our area. During the selfless, kind and truly the epitome of what it means topandemic, we were able to go out into the community be a nurse.”STATS:Current Employer: Hudson Headwaters Health Network and Glens Falls Hospital.Studied at St. Vincent’s Hospital and Medical Center, New York, NY;and The College of Mount St. VincentTHANK YOUTO THE NURSESWHO SUPPORTAND CAREFOR OURCOMMUNITY.We want you to know that our primary care is you.

NURSES: THE HEART OF HEALTH CARE Sunday, May 8, 2022 CHRISTINE HEBERT“Iwas born and raised inQueensbury. I began working in the healthcare field atthe age of 20 in the Glens Falls Hospital Pathology Lab. It was then andthere that I realized my place was inhealthcare. I had no idea at the timewhere in the healthcare field I wouldfind my place, but knew when Istarted in the lab that I was at leastheaded in the right direction.The more I learned in the laboratory, the more inspired I became tomake a career for myself in healthcare, and the more my love for theclinical field blossomed. In theyears that I was employed there,I gained a greater sense of ourcommunity and all the individualworking parts that make up thelarger machine that is our localhealthcare system.STATS:I have two kids and two crazydogs. I’m quite the introvert, somuch of my free time (what littlethere is) is spent at home, withfamily, at my son’s baseball games,and when I can, to the Bronx tocheer on the Yankees. I enjoy reading and photography. The times Iprize most are with my children.Nursing runs in the family.My mother is an RN of 35 years.She was my primary inspirationwhen applying to nursing school.I grew up seeing her have such apositive influence on not only herpatients, but the family membersof the patients she cared for, andher coworkers as well. I also havea cousin in nursing, now a NursePractitioner, so there were veryfew family gatherings that didnot include at least one nursing-related conversation.I am lucky to work with a verytalented group of providers,nurses, and administrative staffto provide both preventative anddiagnostic care to the patients inour community. I have been employed by Hudson Headwaters forover two years and can honestlysay that it is one of the very bestorganizations I have had the opportunity to work for.The best part of being a healthcare professional is knowing thatI am able to have a positive influence on the lives of our patients,and can make a difference in thelives of many people every singleday. Sometimes it’s something assimple as providing a little reassurance that can change a patientor family member’s perception ofCurrently employed as telephone triage nurse at West Mountain Family Health,a part of Hudson Headwaters Health Network.NursesChangeLivesThank you for yourcompassion and dedicationto providing our patientswith the highest qualitycare.HHHN.org7RNHudson Headwaters Health Networka situation. It’s an incredible reward to know that I’ve been ableto provide that to someone andhad a positive effect on their lifein some way.The most challenging part ofworking in healthcare is that thefield is always changing and evolving. The Covid pandemic, for example, caused us to always be onour toes, as the guidance from federal, state, and local public healthauthorities is always being updatedto reflect the most current evidence-based practice and researchfindings, sometimes changing on adaily or weekly basis.My kids are my excitement outside of work. I love to watch myson’s teams play (baseball andfootball), and we travel all overupstate NY to watch. My daughteris a spitfire and is the most kindhearted, caring and entertainingkid I’ve ever met. She is constantlymaking me laugh, and she and herbrother are the source of an immense amount of joy in my life.”Education: AAS Degree in Nursing at SUNY Adirondack

8 SUNDAY, MAY 8, 2022NURSES: THE HEART OF HEALTH CAREBALASOLEMATES4 shoe brands earning5 stars from nursesBenjamin also tested and rated BALA Twelves. Thisshoe is designed by nurses and is craftedaround female foot morphology. Theresult is a perfectly fitting nurseshoe without compromises.“I liked the snug fit and howcomfortable they are. Theyare actually liquidresistant,” saidBenjamin,who gave theshoes a 5 inevery category.PHOTO COURTESY OFBALA FOOTWEARBROOKSWali Khan, BSN, RN, is an ICU/ER nurse with 10 yearsof experience. He wore the Brooks Ghost 12 runningshoes three times before rating them.Although he usually wears Nike Free Runs, Khansaid his feet “did not hurt after an intense movement.The fit of the shoe was true to size and did not requirea ‘break-in’ period. I also ran several miles in the shoes totest comfort and durability and they proved to be greatshoes.”Khan rated the shoes a 5 for quality, comfort, foot/ankle support and durability. For cost ( 110), nonslip, style/fashion and ability to clean, heassigned them a 4. Theother two categorieswere given anN/A.NANCY CLANTONAtlanta Journal-ConstitutionNurse “uniforms” have changed dramatically over the decades — good riddance to white tights— and that includes the shoes.Today’s nurse can express their individuality while protecting themselves from heel pain,plantar fasciitis and other ailments. Having so many choices, however, can make it difficult to pick apair that keeps up with your pace while protecting your feet.Each year, Nurse.org asks its online community of more than 133,000 members for shoe recommendations, then has actual health care providers wear and rate the more popular ones.Four brands rated a five — the highest score — this year. Here’s what the testers had to say about them.ASICSAlice Benjamin, MSN, BSN, RN,is a critical care nurse and host ofthe Ask Nurse Alice podcast. Shewore the Asics Novablast SPS forthree shifts.“I usually wear Nikes or sometype of running shoe because theyare comfy and don’t hurt when I amrunning all day,” said Benjamin, whousually works shifts of 12 or morehours.Of the 10 categories in which theshoes were rated — quality, cost, comfort, water resistant, nonslip, style/fashion, foot/ankle support, durability and ability to clean— Benjamin gaveAMAZON.COMthe Asics a 5 inPRODUCTPHOTOSeight of them.Forwaterresistanceand foot/a n k l esupport,she ratedthe shoes a 4.NIKEAtlanta’s Everett Moss II, BSN, RN, is a critical care/vascular access nurse with five years of experience. Hewore the Nike Vapormax at work for a full shift.Moss rated the Vapormax a 5 for quality, comfort andstyle/fashion, saying they are “very light and comfortable.” However, Moss also prefers “shoes that are morefluid-resistant,” and rated these only a 2 in that category.You can check out the other seven shoes at Nurse.org.

NURSES: THE HEART OF HEALTH CARE Sunday, May 8, 2022 HEIDI HALLIDAY“Igrew up in Hudson Falls. As an adult,I’ve made my home in Queensbury,where I live with my two daughters,Avary and Mya, my significant other Mike,his daughter Emma, and our dog Marley.The first time I graduated college waswith a generic Liberal Arts degree. I wasn’tsure what I wanted to do. My roommate atthe time was interested in going to school tobe a Physicians Assistant, and was gainingpatient contact hours by volunteering withthe EMS. I decided to tag along. I loved it.I started EMT training, because certified,and took a job as an ER technician at GlensFalls Hospital. Shortly after, I applied tonursing school. Emergency Room nursingwas my first passion. I was an adrenalinejunkie.My team at Fort Hudson Homecare is themost supportive management team andgroup of colleagues I’ve work with in myentire career. 10/10, would recommend!STATS:I enjoy the versatility of my work. Iworked with Glens Falls Hospital for 16years before coming out into the community. Each specialty has served it’s purposefor a season in my life. I feel as though I’m apretty well-rounded nurse. I enjoy the dailyvalidation, and I find the environment intellectually and emotionally stimulatingand fulfilling.Work/life balance and overwhelmingpaperwork can be a challenge in the healthcare field. Through the challenges, I’m veryproud of my work. I think I’m pretty goodat it. The people I’ve helped, the relationships I’ve formed – these have enriched mylife beyond measure.Outside of work, I’m excited about mykids. While having 2 teenaged girls in thehouse has its challenges, not gonna lie, Ido love being their mom and all that comeswith it. They are pretty cool humans. I’m avery proud momma here.9RNFort Hudson Health SystemI’m mostly a homebody. I love our Adirondacks and what each season has tooffer. I like to ski, camp, boating on LakeGeorge is my happy place. I just need aboat. I love the performing arts, theater andlive music. I like to read. Meeting friends ormy sister for lunch or getting out for a datenight is always a treat.It’s true what they say: If you do a job youlove, you’ll never work a day in your life. Ihave been a nurse for 21 yrs. ER, ICU, Med/Surg, IV Team, Oncology, Transition Care,Case Management, Discharge Planner,Home Infusion and currently Public Health.Some days I miss the adrenaline of acutecare. But, just as in life, we have seasons inour careers. The relationships and bondsI’ve built with my patients and their families out in the community have been morefulfilling than I could ever have imagined.My work has allowed me the flexibility andautonomy to be the mother I wanted to beCurrent employment: Registered Nurse Case Manager with Fort Hudson Homecare.for my girls. Being a nurse provides me withso much more than a paycheck. I’m blessedand grateful to receive affirmation and validation every single day. I am so humbled bythis nomination. If you know a nurse whosemade a difference in your life, take a minuteand thank them. It’s appreciated.”Graduated from SUNY Adk and Russell Sage College.FORT HUDSON HEALTH SYSTEMextends special congratulations to twoamazing team members:HEIDI HALLIDAY and APRIL TOWERSfor being selected as 2022 Nurse Honorees!Your dedication to your profession shines –and we are very proud of you!Across all programs – Fort Hudsonappreciates our AMAZING NURSES that makea difference every day! We salute you--319 Broadway, Fort Edward, NY 518-747-2811 www.forthudson.com

10 SUNDAY, MAY 8, 2022GREENSHOOT MEDIAFor nearly every indicator, theAmerican Nursing Associationsays, America’s nurses areless healthy than the averageAmerican.They’re more likely to be overweight,stressed out and tired. Workplace violence,injuries on the job and the 24/7 demandsof the health care environment push manynurses to the breaking point.The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics saysthat registered nurses have the fourthhighest rate of injuries and illnesses thatresult in days away from work when compared to all other occupations. Yes, evenlumberjacks.To improve the health of America’s4 million registered nurses, the ANAlaunched the Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation movement five years ago. Its missionis to connect and engage nurses and orga-NURSES: THE HEART OF HEALTH CAREnizations to help nurses get more exercise,rest, nutrition, a better quality of life andbe more safe on the job. It’s a free program,open to everyone in the industry. There aremore than 230,000 participants and morethan 580 partner organizations.It was particularly vital during the COVID-19 pandemic, which tried nurses’health like never before.“We encourage employers, professionalassociations and schools of nursingto share and amplify the vitalHNHN resources that helpnurses combat burnout, manage stressandovercometrauma,” ANAPresidentErnest J.Grant,R N ,FAAN, said. “Together, we can ensure ournursing workforce is at its peak health andwellness.”One of the things the program does is tomatch nurses with mental health resources,offering things like a free subscription toHeadspace PLUS and other apps to improve the mental health and resilience ofnurses across the country. It also organizeschallenges for nursesto participa teA Healthy WorkEnvironment‘Nurses’ physical and mentalwell-being have never beenmore important’ ADOBE STOCKin for healthy eating, exercise and more.“Nurses’ physical and mental well-being have never been more important — tothe profession and to every one of us whocounts on nurses for health care and leadership,” said Kate Judge, executive directorof the American Nurses Foundation.Matthew S. Howard is a nurse who participates in the HNHN challenge. He saidhe walks the dog and connects with family and friends regularly, even virtually, toimprove his well-being.“A healthy mental lifestyle is so important to me right now,” he said.Sonya L. Clayton, another participant, said she carves out quiet timeto help her mental health.“At night, I try to have atleast 30 minutes of quiet timereading or doing somethingcalming,” she said. “I alsotalk to my prayer partnerevery day, and that connection is so reassuring.”

NURSES: THE HEART OF HEALTH CARE Sunday, May 8, 2022 JUDY HENRY“Ilive in the country on a small farm with my husband. We have multiple cows, a bossy cat, threechildren and one grandchild! My favorite place tobe is with my family – whether we’re traveling, campingor just getting together.I am pretty much always around nurses. My daughter,sister, niece, mother-in-law and my two sisters-in-laware all nurses. As for myself, I have been a nurse at GlensFalls Hospital for 20 years. I started out on 3 South, thenmoved over to 3WB. Both were medical floors. I workedand met some great friends, doctors and nurses throughout my 13 years on these floors.After 13 years, I decided to join a new amazing familyof nurses, doctors and techs in the emergency department. It was here in the ED that I realized how manydeep emotions you can have and how quickly you haveto change them from one room to the next. I also learnedhow passionate and dedicated my coworkers are to theirprofession!STATS:Graduate of SUNY AdirondackRNGlens Falls HospitalThe past few years through Covid has been a challengephysically and mentally. When helping very sick and scaredpatients and their families, it’s hard also trying to keepyourself, your coworkers and your own family and friendssafe. It can be exhausting – but rewarding. I wouldn’tchange a thing. I love my job. In healthcare, we get throughone tragedy or triumph at a time, and then move on to thenext. I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead with allthe new doctors and nurses joining our team!”Judy’s colleagues have said this about her: “Judy hasbeen a wonderful nurse for 20 years, during the roughestand scariest times. In the darkness of Covid, she madeeach shift in the emergency care center enjoyable andoptimistic. She pours everything she has into her work.She goes above and beyond for her patients, always giving those extras that most nurses forget. She has heldhands, cried and laughed with her patients. We all loreJudy and wish we had more of what she brings to workeach day. We love calling her our work mother!”Currently works at Glens Falls Hospital.BROOKE HOVER“Iwas around 10 years old when I knew I wanted togo into the medical field. A friend of my youngerbrother fell and scraped up his knee at our house.My mom wasn’t home at the time, so it came down tome to help him. Of course, I reveled in the idea of being‘in charge’. I was all too eager to get out the first aid kit.It was only a minor injury, and after applying a bandageand drying a few tears, he was on his way back to playing‘army’ with my brother. I remember thinking how goodit felt to help. I knew then that I wanted to do somethingto help people feel better when I grew up.I grew up in Edinburg, NY on the Great Sacandaga Lakewith my parents and two brothers. I graduated from Northville Central School in 2000 and still keep in touch with myhigh school friends as much as I can when life allows. I’vebeen with my husband Ben for 22 years. We live in Granvilleand have three amazing da

Kim Hedley is an Associate Professor of Nursing and Chair of the Health Sciences Division at SUNY ADK. Kim has been a faculty at SUNY ADK since September 2019. Prior to joining SUNY ADK, Kim was the Assistant Dean and faculty at Excelsior College from 2002-2019. Kim has an associate degree in nursing from Junior College of Al-