BCN Career Stories


Felicia Neely


I started at Bluegrass Care Navigators in December of 2020 as a CNA. When I started, I never saw myself going completely into nursing because nurses didn't seem to get a lot of time with their patients. I loved being a CNA, but I thought 100 times over I wanted to be a grief counselor. Within months of seeing the work the nursing staff put in – starting with how much holistic care is provided along with the amazing education given to patients and families, and then you mix in what I could only describe as some of the smartest physicians and NP's, I knew this was the home for me. I never knew such a noble profession existed. I found just what I wanted, a place where I would never be scared of calling a doctor and where I could spend quality time providing basic care for my patients and getting to know the TRUE person all while getting to give their medication and educate them at such an emotional time of life.

One day on a limb, I told my favorite floor nurse at the SJH HCC the jump I was planning to take to become an LPN and she immediately took me under her wing. Every day she saw me, she would give me little pointers and things I could carry forever. When I told everyone else, they immediately respected and did everything they could to make sure my school schedule was worked around. Any day I was on the unit was a day of learning, there wasn't one nurse who did go out of their way to show me something new, give me amazing tips or show me how to properly do a skill. Those tips and tricks are a big reason I am where I am today.


As my classes were coming to an end, Dianna and Maggie went out of their way to help me get my practicum hours for my final class. The staff were nothing short of amazing. From being so quick to show me everything to making sure I had no questions. Dr. Whisman and Chuck Teeter, APRN were also so patient with me when I was trying to learn to give report or learn about disease process. They helped guide me and pick apart important information, without making me feel bad for not knowing. Both of them also told me every day how great I was doing and how far I've come. Leaving that day the experience was perfection. I am forever in debt to them and grateful to my core. I have always been treated like an equal from day one.


I know a lot of companies say they're like family, but we really are. Each and every staff member on the unit pushed me daily and made sure to feed me knowledge I can carry. None of this would've been possible without any of them. Nursing school wasn't an easy road and at times quite lonely, but the staff at SJH HCC made it enjoyable. All the people inspire me and make me feel truly blessed every day. I love them and what I do now more than I ever have before, so much so that it feels like a dream.


Thank you so much BCN and my family for making my dream become a reality.

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