The Heart of Care: Celebrating Our Nurses on National Nurses Day - Healthy Connections Community Health Network

The Heart of Care: Celebrating Our Nurses on National Nurses Day

At Healthy Connections, we believe that great care doesn’t begin with a diagnosis. It begins with a nurse. On this National Nurses Day, and throughout National Nurses Week 2025, we proudly recognize the nurses across all our clinics who make our mission possible. These dedicated professionals are the first to arrive, the last to leave, and the steady, compassionate presence that carries patients through their most vulnerable moments.

From early mornings in Mena to long afternoons in Little Rock, from De Queen to Hot Springs Village and every community in between, our nurses are the heartbeat of our organization. They bring not only clinical skill, but also emotional strength, patience, empathy, and a deep commitment to doing what is right—even when it’s not easy. They are the faces our patients trust and the shoulders our communities lean on.

Jessica Hood, our Director of Nursing, leads this remarkable team with focus and integrity. Her commitment to nursing excellence has helped shape a culture at Healthy Connections where nurses are empowered to grow, lead, and make real change. Under her leadership, our nursing team has become one of the strongest in the region, consistently elevating the quality of care we provide.

“Our nurses are the face of Healthy Connections,” said CEO Tony Calandro. “They represent everything we stand for—Community, Compassion, and Excellence. Their impact is seen not just in medical outcomes, but in the trust they build with patients and the hope they bring to families. We are proud of every one of them.”

As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), Healthy Connections provides care for patients from all walks of life, and our nurses meet every individual with respect and dignity. Whether helping manage chronic conditions, providing preventive care, educating families, or advocating for patients with complex needs, they are tireless in their efforts—and powerful in their impact.

We also recognize that great nurses deserve great workplaces. At Healthy Connections, we’re proud to offer a four-day workweek, supportive leadership, opportunities for professional growth, and a mission-driven culture where nurses are valued and heard. We don’t just hire nurses—we invest in them.

If you’re a nurse searching for a meaningful career in Arkansas, we invite you to discover the opportunities at Healthy Connections. Join a team where your work matters, your voice counts, and your care changes lives.

To every nurse across our clinics—from Malvern to Mt. Ida, Arkadelphia to Texarkana, Russellville to Sheridanthank you. Your dedication defines us. Your compassion inspires us. And your service strengthens the communities we serve.

Explore nursing careers at Healthy Connections: www.healthy-connections.org/careers

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