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Pamela L. Snyder, RN at Sacred Heart-Saint Mary's Hospitals is one of 68 hospital employees from across Wisconsin that were honored for their commitment to health care.

Snyder was a recipient of a 2007 Wisconsin Health Care Employee Pride Program award.

The program, sponsored by the Wisconsin Hospital Association (WHA), is designed to celebrate the health care workforce and recognize their “truly amazing” contributions to the health of their communities, according to Wisconsin Hospital Association President Steve Brenton.

“People who work in hospitals are among Wisconsin's most dedicated and valuable employees. It takes special people to care for others and our communities are richer, safer, and healthier places to live because of these professionals,” Brenton added. “Whether they are on the front lines, or supporting those who deliver patient care, every health care employee helps improve the health status in the community where they live and work.”

Employees were asked to describe what led them to choose an occupation in health, and why they decided to work in a hospital. Hundreds of health care employees submitted essays. A committee at each health care facility selected the winning essay, and that person was honored at the recognition banquet on April 26.

The recognition program is co-sponsored by the Wisconsin Society of Healthcare Human Resources Administration, the Wisconsin Organization of Nurse Executives, and the Wisconsin Healthcare Public Relations and Marketing Society. Pamela Snyder's Essay Follows:

“It's a Process”

Reading the considerations for a qualifying essay, I thought, “If I answer this honestly, who'll find it inspiring?” As a divorcee with two children under the age of four and a high school diploma as qualifications for a job, my options were slim. I was feeling painfully out of control of my situation (difficult for a Type A personality).

With supportive parents, and guidance from the staff at Nicolet Area Technical College, I found myself in the ADN program. As I progressed through the program, I went from feeling like a helpless single parent, to a capable, confident adult. Though I struggled with self-doubts in the technical skills arena, I felt empowered with the knowledge that I was strong in customer service and compassion. I had found my “niche” as a nurse. After graduation, I held a variety of nursing positions. While I appreciated each experience for what it taught me, I was not feeling challenged.

One day, I received a phone call about an opening at Saint Mary's Hospital. I was excited, scared, and determined. Upon hire, I was paired with a compassionate, skilled preceptor. She patiently groomed me for my new position over the next three months. I felt confident with her direction, and received an “experience-rich” orientation. I felt ready to fly soloŠ.

Ten years later, I have found that you never fly solo as a nurse. Teamwork and perpetual learning is always the course in nursing. A career in nursing has helped me to grow personally in confidence and self worth and professionally with opportunities for continuing education and advancement. Ministry Health Care truly cares for the communities it serves. Our hospital has provided a venue for community members, such as me, to grow, succeed and in turn give back to the community.

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