05/07/2025
In honor of Nurses Week, we’re proud to share the story of one of our own.
We’re excited to highlight the inspiring nursing journey of Jeremy Bond, our Clinical Review Specialist here at NuWest. From starting as an EMT to becoming a paramedic, firefighter, ICU nurse, and DAISY Award winner, Jeremy’s story is a testament to lifelong service and compassion.
👇 Read his words below, and join us in celebrating Jeremy and the impact nurses make every day.
"I started my career as an EMT working in the private ambulance industry and eventually returned to school to become a paramedic. I worked as a paramedic for four years, taking full-time fire service tests but never getting the opportunity to serve full-time as a firefighter. I have continued working part-time as a paramedic-firefighter for my local fire department since 2007.
After many years of public service as a paramedic, I decided to go to nursing school to further my career and continue helping those in need. I graduated in 2012 and immediately began working in the SICU, as I had a goal of flying with the hospital's emergency helicopter service. I knew I wanted to become a flight nurse early on, ever since I witnessed a life flight crew save someone’s life on the side of the road after a terrible car accident while I was still an EMT. I’ve worked hard and dedicated my nursing career to learning and improving every day — and continue to do so to this day.
While working in the SICU, I had the privilege of caring for some very critically ill patients and learned a great deal about what it means to be a great nurse. One experience that stands out was caring for a post–open heart surgery patient who required intensive attention and care during the first 24 hours after surgery. I worked closely with another orienting nurse to provide the best care possible and help support the patient's recovery. After the patient had fully recovered, I was working a night shift when, right at shift change (6:45 a.m.), I was surprised by the hospital’s CNO, Director of Critical Care Nursing, SICU Manager, and charge nurse, who informed me that I had been nominated for the DAISY Award — and had won. It was humbling and incredibly rewarding to know that the work we do as nurses was recognized by that patient’s family. I felt so fortunate to have received such a prestigious nursing honor.
To be a great nurse takes dedication to the profession, hard work, continual learning, and a commitment to always putting the patient’s safety first. Nurses are called to care for people during their most vulnerable moments. It takes someone special to set aside personal beliefs, provide nonjudgmental care, and advocate for the patient’s right to make informed decisions. We have the opportunity to care holistically, to support not just the patient but their family as well. Patients may forget our names, but they’ll never forget how we made them feel. The gentle touch of a nurse’s hand can leave a lifelong impact — even if we never see the result.
I will always be grateful for the opportunity to help and serve those in need. I will be a nurse for life."
