Best in Nursing finalists

We asked our four finalists what the most rewarding part of the job is. Here's what they had to say:

"I am currently in leadership at Saint Francis, so I don't get to spend as much time at the bedside as I used to, but it means so much to have a career that makes a difference in the lives of so many people. I look forward to coming to work every day knowing that every action I take helps to improve our patients' quality of life. It doesn't get much better than that."

~ Jessica Hanna, patient care manager in inpatient rehabilitation at Saint Francis Medical Center

Five years experience

Earned bachelor of science in nursing from Southeast Missouri State University; in her final semester of master's in nursing classes at University of Missouri

Scott Wren, emergency department, Saint Francis Medical Center (Submitted photo)

"Of course, one of the biggest rewards of being a nurse is simply this: Going to bed each night with knowledge that as a competent, caring nurse, you have made the world a better place. Anyone who has ever been sick or injured and in need of medical care can remember the difference between a caring, competent caregiver and an ineffective or harsh one. Nurses have the opportunity to make a huge difference in the most vulnerable times of an individual's life."

~ Scott Wren, emergency department, Saint Francis Medical Center

Fourteen years in the Saint Francis emergency department

Earned bachelor of science in nursing at Southeast Missouri State University; is also a registered respiratory therapist

"I think the most rewarding part of my job is watching new parents as they meet their little miracle God has given them and knowing that I made a difference in their lives."

Glenda Glasco, obstetrics nurse at Southeast Hospital (Laura Simon)

~ Glenda Glasco, obstetrics nurse at Southeast Hospital

26 years experience, all on the obstetrics unit at Southeast

Earned bachelor of science in nursing at Southeast Missouri State University

"I care for patients with complex wounds and those requiring the creation of an ostomy. The most rewarding part of my job is to see wounds improve and heal so that my patients can return to their normal state of health. In caring for a patient requiring an ostomy (colostomy, ileostomy, ileal conduit, many times for cancer), I teach patients to care for themselves in order to be independent in their care. I provide not only physical care but emotional support through a difficult time in their lives. I have cared for some of my ostomy patients for more than 20 years and they become more like friends and family than just a patient. ... I love being a nurse. I am very thankful that nursing is my chosen profession."

~ Linda Wessel, registered nurse; wound, ostomy and continence care patient educator at Southeast Hospital

Linda Wessel, registered nurse; wound, ostomy and continence care patient educator at Southeast Hospital (Laura Simon)

More than 42 years experience

Earned associate of arts degree in nursing and bachelor of science in nursing at Southeast Missouri State University; certification in wound, ostomy and continence nursing