National Nurses Week takes place from Thursday, May 6 to Wednesday, May 12. It’s a time to honor the commitment, dedication, and hard work of those in the nursing profession.

Get to know two star nurses, Heidi Hoff, BSN, RN and Margaret Kane RN, BSN, CEN, TCRN in our new feature “Ten Beats With …”

Why nursing? And was there ever a moment where it looked like you were going to grow up to be something else entirely?

HH: I didn’t decide to return to school for nursing until I was 28 or 29. I had worked my way through a variety of service industry jobs in Telluride including -barista, river guide, ski patrol and restaurant work. I was looking for a career that would fulfill me and allow me to help others. My mother was a primary care doctor and I always loved the idea of working in medicine but feared I was not capable.
MK: I recently found something I had written in second grade saying I wanted to be a pediatric nurse when I grow up, I think I always knew I wanted to do something to help people. In high school I took a class in health occupations and shadowed a paramedic firefighter and a pediatric nurse. I made the decision in high school to go the nurse route, which led me to emergency nursing, a perfect mix of paramedic firefighter and nurse.

Most challenging aspect of being a nurse?

HH: It never ends.
MK: Working with people and figuring out their personalities, in the short amount of time I’m with them.

Where does your motivation for this work come from?

HH: I care about the health and wellness of this community.
MK: I enjoy helping people.

How do you recharge?

HH: Getting outside whether it be skiing, biking, hiking or picnicking! Connecting with friends. Sewing!
MK: Spending time with my family and enjoying this beautiful place we call home.

Is there a theme song for nursing today, in this fifth season of Pandemic?

MK: Don’t stop, Don’t give up! Sung by a little girl on YouTube : )

Do you have a motto?
MK: Be kind. Another one fitting for nursing is, Hang in there!, I hung a poster of a cat hanging on a rope with this motto on it in the ED nurse station closet for my fellow nurses. It’s a good reminder that this is temporary.

Where will your next vacation be?

HH: Currently visiting family which is a cup filler for me, next vacay needs to be to water. Submerging myself in water is the ultimate refresh for me. I grew up in Seattle among lakes, sounds and the oceans and regular swimming.
MK: Washington state.

Any good habits you picked up in the last year?

HH: Life slowed down– because of COVID and because of having a newborn. This allowed me more time to focus on things that I’ve wanted to make time for but never prioritized. I got back into sewing– mostly making baby clothes for my daughter out of my old clothes… I spent time everyday working out and focusing on my own health.
MK: Wearing a mask.

Any bad habits?
HH: I still eat lots of chocolate!
MK: Being too judgmental, working on that one.

What lunch waiting for you in the staff room would instantly turn any day around?

HH: Shout out to all the free and amazing food the community has sent our way!
MK: Floradora!

What’s in your first aid kit?
MK: Steri-strips, Zofran, Benadryl, splints, bandages, gloves, scissors, and ace wrap.

BONUS BEAT:

What would your 16 year old self think of you today?

HH: That I am doing a-okay!
MK: I knew you’d be a nurse, but I didn’t know you’d live in such a cool place!