Laverne is a 91-year-old patient who receives physical therapy services from VNA Health at Home. She lives with her daughter, who cares for her. Laverne had become increasingly withdrawn and sad, just sitting in front of the television.

In my life so far, I have seen very few true servant leaders, and I know how fortunate I am to have a true servant leader as my mentor. Early in my leadership journey, he saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself. For that, I am thankful beyond words.

Ever wondered if your work makes a difference? CHI St. Alexius Health Dickinson Chaplain Coordinator Deb Howie knows firsthand that the smallest act of compassion can be meaningful—even if its impact is hidden from us.

On a Tuesday morning, I got out of bed feeling anxious about what might happen that day. Our branch of American Nursing Care was in a rebuilding phase, and sometimes the results of my efforts to create order seemed little in evidence, at least to me.

I was walking down the ground floor hall when I saw Alicia, a unit secretary, leaning on the wall outside the elevators, waiting for one to open. I stopped to chat for a moment.

One day at my job, I was transferred to work at the extended care facility; an area different from one I normally work in. I was accustomed to the acute care environment, but this would be different: I would be caring for people in a health facility that serves as their home. I was out of my comfort zone.