Victoria Drury, an LPN at Memorial Satilla Health in Waycross, Georgia, exemplifies the true spirit of dedication and resilience. Never once calling in sick during her nine years at the hospital, Victoria maintains an unrivaled attendance record that is both inspiring and a testament to her character. When Hurricane Helene hit, leaving many residents stranded and emergency services challenged, Victoria’s unwavering resolve to show up for her community shone brightly.

Victoria, like many in her community, braced for the storm and gathered non-perishables in the days leading up to Helene making landfall, but the impact was greater than expected. Victoria and her family stayed awake monitoring the storm’s trajectory. Despite the howling winds and looming uncertainty, she knew her responsibilities extended beyond her own safety. After keeping vigil through the night while her husband worked as a local detective, Victoria received the unfortunate news that both exits from her neighborhood were blocked by debris. Yet, the thought of not making it into work was simply not an option for her.

“I live about 10 minutes down the road from the hospital, so I figured that it would be easier for me to get work, compared to those that live further away,” Victoria explained. Her sense of duty led her to call the hospital, and she was told that Emergency Department Director Ashton Poole would personally come pick her up at first light if she could make it out to the main road.

The journey from her house out to the pickup point was not an easy stroll. Navigating through downed trees and fallen power lines, she trekked with determination. For Victoria, dependability is more than a personal value – it’s a legacy she aims to pass on to her children. “I always try to teach my children to be somebody to rely on. Your character is your word, and I try to be that example,” she stated emphatically.

With every shift she works, Victoria instills those values of dependability and care not just in her children, but in her coworkers as well. Her path to becoming a nurse was deeply personal, having faced her own family’s health challenges with her son, who has undergone numerous surgeries in the last 18 years since he was born. This experience shaped her approach to nursing and to life in general, fostering a profound sense of empathy and patience that she brings into every interaction.

Even as she tended to patients on the front lines, Victoria’s thoughts were with her family. Although her home sustained damage from a fallen tree, she felt fortunate that they were safe and not displaced, especially given the widespread devastation across North and South Carolina, where many of her loved ones reside. This perspective of gratitude amidst adversity is something she carries with her in both her professional and personal life.

Arriving at Memorial Satilla Health the morning after the storm, Victoria joined a team that was grappling with the immediate challenges presented by the hurricane. The community was still reeling from the loss of a beloved local firefighter that morning, and while patient traffic was light initially, it wasn’t long before the emergency department began to see an influx of individuals needing care. By the weekend, the bare-bones team had their hands full with people who had fallen while trying to clear debris, others suffering from dehydration, and those requiring vital medical treatments.

“What stood out was all the admin and staff just coming together to work,” she shared, reflecting on her colleagues joining forces. “We were all in the same boat with no power, no water, trying to figure out food just like everybody else, but we were showing up.”

In the early days between the storm and when HCA Healthcare resources arrived, Victoria and her team worked tirelessly, ensuring that anyone who needed assistance could receive it, whether it was a breathing treatment or simply a cool place to rest.

Victoria’s experience during Hurricane Helene is a reminder of the vital role our colleagues play in their local communities, especially in times of crisis. She has seen the importance of leadership through action and example. “Be an example,” she advised her colleagues and community members. “Kindness goes a long way.”