Virginia Beach, Va. – Sharon Neece describes herself as a no-nonsense nurse with one goal. “I’m here to comfort, help, and heal,” said the sixty-year-old nurse who works in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News.
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Neece has gone on more than 40 medial missions in dozens of countries with Operation Smile. “This is my calling – to help nurse kids back to health,” she added. During National Nurses Week, May 6-12, Neece says her commitment to giving back and embodying this year’s theme, Nursing: The Balance of Mind, Body and Spirit, is renewed. “I feel more empowered to give more and do more, said Neece. It’s a commitment I plan on sticking with for many more years,” she added.
As a medical volunteer Neece has donated her professional skills and hundreds of hours to help patients in low and middle income countries, “It’s satisfying on a human, professional and personal level. As medical volunteers – we give people the chance to lead a healthy and happy life. During this week, National Nurses Week, I think it’s important for me to share this message and encourage others to do the same,” said Neece.