Blevins named nurse of the year

By Staff
Jonathan Willis
Karen Blevins awakes each morning and heads to a job that she loves.
She loves it so much, in fact, that she doesn't always consider it a job.
"If you love your job, it's not a job," she said. "It's a passion."
That attitude is what led to Blevins being named Nurse of the Year by Country Cottage Assisted Living Thursday.
Blevins, a school nurse at Vina, was one of 16 nominees for the fifth annual award.
"I am just so surprised," Blevins said moments after winning the award.
She works with the staff and students at Vina performing anything from first aid to assessing minor injuries.
"It's so wonderful to try to help these students," she said.
"It's amazing how many needs a child has."
Blevins began working as a practical nurse right out of high school. She later attended Wallace State College and received her registered nurse's degree.
That's a decision that she has never regretted.
"I feel blessed everyday that I get to go to work at Vina," she said.
"The students, faculty and community there are some of the best people. I just love every minute of it."
Other area nurses nominated for the award were: Sharon Stidman, Jenny Pace, Andrea Sornberger, Amy Vandiver, Debbie Smith, Debra Isom, Kathy Boyett, Kay Hargett, Kathy Nichols, Johnna McCreary, Kena West, Denise Spencer, Nita Hardy, Misty Fleming and Belinda Johnson