A Career Built on Care, Teamwork and Change

Sherri VandenHombergh has spent her entire 40‑year nursing career at Bronson, caring for patients across multiple departments and facilities before finding her current home in the Surgery Department at Bronson LakeView Hospital (BLH). From emergency nursing and interventional radiology to pre‑admission care and surgery, Sherri’s career reflects decades of change, growth and a deep commitment to helping patients through some of their most vulnerable moments.

My Nursing Journey at Bronson

My interest in healthcare started back in the 1970s with a TV show called Emergency. It followed paramedics and what was happening in the emergency room. It sparked my interest and I wanted part of that action!

40 years ago, I took a job as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) at Bronson Vicksburg Hospital, working weekends while completing my RN studies. Once I completed my RN studies, I went on to spend about 25 years in the emergency departments at both Bronson Vicksburg and Bronson Methodist Hospitals. I then worked in interventional radiology and as a phone nurse in pre‑admissions before landing in my current role in the BLH surgery department.

Looking back, I’ve been fortunate to spend my entire career within one organization while still having opportunities to work in many different settings. It’s kept me on my toes, and I’m always learning something new.

How Nursing Has Changed Over the Years

When I think back to when I first started nursing, one of the biggest differences is how much sicker patients are today. Hospital stays are also much shorter. The combination of these two factors has made the need for patient and family education before discharge more important than ever, so the healing process can continue at home.

Nursing care used to focus on basic bedside care and carrying out physicians’ orders. Today, nursing has grown into a role that requires strong clinical expertise and critical thinking. With increasing patient populations, we have really become the eyes and ears for providers, and knowing our patients and advocating for them can make a significant difference in their care.

Another major change in healthcare is the use of electronic medical records. The EMR has made patient care safer in many ways. Notes are clearer, orders are easier to understand and the entire care team can quickly see patient history and communicate more effectively.

Technology and surgical advancements have also changed patient care tremendously. Cardiac care is a great example. Years ago, if a patient had a heart attack, they often rested for a week before any intervention because doctors didn’t want to irritate the heart. Now, time is critical, and patients go straight to the cath lab. Laparoscopic surgery has also greatly improved patient outcomes. Recovery is quicker, more comfortable and many procedures that once required inpatient care are now done safely as outpatient surgeries.

Health in Harmony, Teamwork & Pride in My Career

To me, health in harmony means working together to create a human‑centered experience during a vulnerable time for patients. I see that harmony every day in the BLH surgery department when the entire team works with the same understanding and clear communication — not just with each other, but with patients and families as well. We have a culture that is built on teamwork, communication and even fun. In fact, we’ve had many patients comment on how well our team works together and how much they appreciate the light‑hearted atmosphere. We support one another before, during and after procedures, and help each other through both routine days and unexpected situations. No one works alone here.

I am really proud to work for Bronson because of the organizational commitment to clinical excellence and advancing medical technology. Our patients are incredibly appreciative, and that gratitude means a lot.

Healthcare has gone through so many changes over the years and has persevered. With new advances in technology and enthusiastic new nurses and providers with fresh perspectives, I know the future of healthcare is strong and safe.