What Nursing Has Taught Me

Thanks to amazing teammates and opportunities to learn new skills and grow as a nurse and a leader, Tennile has built a 22-year career at Bronson. She is currently the Nurse Manager on the General Medical Unit at Bronson Methodist Hospital.

Tennile’s Story

I’ve been a nurse for 22 years, and from the very beginning, I knew this was where I was meant to be. I chose nursing because it felt like the perfect combination of science and helping people. I was drawn to the knowledge, but even more to the opportunity to serve others in meaningful moments of their lives.

When I think about my career, the word that comes to mind is ministry. Nursing is truly a service profession. We are there for people during their most vulnerable moments – sometimes at the beginning of life, sometimes in the middle and sometimes at the end. Being trusted during those moments is something I never take lightly. I believe one of my life’s purposes is to serve people and help influence better outcomes in their lives, and nursing allows me to do that every day.

Nursing has taught me resilience. It’s taught me how to get through some of the toughest times. This work comes with challenges, long days and moments that stay with you long after your shift ends. That resilience has carried me through my career, and it’s also shaped who I am outside of my work.

What keeps me coming back, even on the hardest days, is the people. I think a lot about impact. I ask myself: What part can I play today? How can I make a positive difference, even in a small way? That sense of purpose continues to inspire me and reminds me why this work matters so much.

When I think about harmony, I think of a choir. You have altos, sopranos tenors – all with different voices and parts to play. Alone, each voice is important, but together they create something truly beautiful. When you put the concept of harmony and health together, it reminds me that health isn’t just about one thing, and providing healthcare also can’t be done in a silo. We have to look at things from a holistic approach. We all must work together harmoniously to achieve positive outcomes.

I’m proud to work at Bronson for many reasons, but especially because of the people I work with. I chose to work on the unit I’m on because of the team, and that continues to be one of the most meaningful parts of my work. Bronson has also supported my growth throughout my career. They’ve encouraged me to learn more through conferences and classes. They’ve given me opportunities to develop and become a leader. I truly believe that when people feel supported and valued in that way, it makes for a really great work environment, and it’s made all the difference for me in my career.

At the end of the day, nursing has given me perspective, purpose and a deep appreciation for human connection. It’s taught me resilience, empathy and the importance of service. I’m grateful and proud to be a nurse.