National Nurses Week is a holiday to honor the brave men and women working tirelessly for the health and wellness of patients across the United States. Let’s take a step into the busy halls of WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital to learn about our local nursing atmosphere in Buckhannon.

“Our nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system,” said Karla Tucker, BSN, RN, CCRN, Director of Nursing at WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital. “During Nurses Week, and every week, we honor their unwavering commitment to healing, advocacy, and excellence. I am deeply proud to lead such a remarkable team whose resilience and compassion continue to inspire all of us.”

Whether a nursing student or a long time healthcare provider, nurses are an honorable and thankless career choice that require brains and a big heart. Join WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital in celebrating longtime nurse Amberly Starkey, RN, Director of Obstetrics for her 26 years of service to our local community members.

Starkey began her journey at WVU STJ as a switchboard operator then onto an emergency room registration clerk, a medical assistant in the OB GYN clinics then went onto nursing school to become a registered nurse in 2004.

“I was a non-traditional college student raising two beautiful little girls and fulfilled my dream of becoming a nurse in labor and delivery! It’s never too late,” Starkey said. “I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the influence of several amazing ER and OB nurses, who now are dear friends and helped mold me into the nurse I am today. Retired RN, Patricia Ketchum trained me in labor and delivery. She was helping deliver her 3rd generation of babies and still cried at every birth. I hoped to be so blessed and compassionate as she was all the days of my career.”

The decision to serve at her hometown hospital in the labor and delivery room was nothing but an easy choice for Starkey.

“I chose to serve my community hospital, specializing in labor and delivery, and newborn care. My commitment to serve these amazing women and families has been worth every smile, every tear, every year, and with an abundance of God’s blessings in return,” Starkey said. “WVU St. Joseph’s Hospital is my home. We are a family now connected to a wonderful health care system serving patients and families throughout West Virginia and beyond.”

Since 2011, Starkey has served patients as the Director of Obstetrics, while assisting mothers as they welcome beautiful babies into this big world.

“I am so proud that together, with a truly amazing obstetrics staff and the providers and staff at Center for Women’s Health, we are providing a compassionate continuum of care to our patients,” Starkey said. “I am most proud that God called me to be a nurse and gave me the opportunity to work at WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital.”

With many years under her belt, Starkey has experienced an abundance of changes in the hospital setting and available services provided to patients. Starkey’s fondest memories are of the Pallottine Sisters, who worked tirelessly in the hospital to serve the community. At a young age, she did not realize how that would impact her work throughout the years ahead, serving as a foundation of care and compassion for patients.

The influence of the Pallotine Sisters and the family-like atmosphere at WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital have played a lasting role in Starkey’s longtime dedication to nursing in Buckhannon.

“Like many employees here, I loved the family atmosphere. I am proud to be a small part of a large culture of excellence, providing high quality, safe care to all in need,” Starkey said.

National Nurses Week celebrations began Sunday, May 4. Nurses can be seen this week participating in fun activities such as Nurse Olympics, duck hunts, puzzles and more. Each day has themed dress-up suggestions such as beach vibes, crazy hairstyles, red white and blue day, and jean day. Each day will also include prizes for participating nurses and a sweet treat for them to enjoy.

The festivities will conclude on Friday, May 9. However, the honoring and appreciation of nurses continues each and every day at WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital.

“At St. Joseph’s Hospital, our nurses represent the heart of everything we do,” said Matthew Scott, Director of Marketing and Communications at WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital. “Their knowledge, strength, and compassion are seen not only in the care they provide, but in the trust they build every day. They are deeply appreciated by patients, families, staff, providers, and the broader community we serve. This week, and every week, we celebrate their incredible impact.”

Thank a nurse today, and every day.

Visit WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital at 1 Amalia Drive in Buckhannon. Make an appointment with a local healthcare provider by calling 304-472-2000.