Nursing a labor of love for NewLife Center nurse Sarah Wine

It was her mother's battle with recurrent brain tumors and the compassionate care she received at Ascension Via Christi that led her to pursue a career in nursing.

"I wanted to be there for patients like the staff was there for me and my family," says the now 33-year-old registered nurse.

Wine worked for three years as a unit clerk in Ascension Via Christi St. Joseph's NewLife Center while earning her nursing degree at Wichita State University.

Upon graduation, she knew she wanted to continue to serve at Ascension Via Christi, so she looked to see what units had openings.

"There were two: Oncology and Labor and Delivery," she says. "I was excited for either one, but L & D was the first one to call."

Ten years later, she is still committed to caring for delivering mothers and their families at St. Joseph, where the mission and values mirror those of her upbringing.

"I am not Catholic, but I grew up in a religious home that held the same values of service and compassion as Ascension Via Christi," she says.

While the past several years have been difficult for everyone in healthcare, Wine says she appreciates the efforts made during COVID-19 to keep patients and caregivers safe.

"From an infection prevention standpoint, we have followed all the protocols," says Wine, who gave birth to her now 2 1/2-year-old son just as COVID-19 was beginning its spread. While masks were mandated and visitors strictly limited, she says she was blessed in that "I got to deliver with my friends."

Doctors, nurses and other work friends, she says, who she would trust with her life.

"I serve here because of the people," says Wine. "They are why I can see myself retiring here."

Find an Ascension Via Christi career for you: https://jobs.ascension.org/ks