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In KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL), a spotlight shines on February’s Nurse of the Month, who brings her expertise and enthusiasm to Holston Medical Group Pediatrics. This nurse thrives in a field that demands patience, high energy, and a playful approach.
Mercedes Barnett, who didn’t grow up surrounded by children, discovered this passion later in life.
“I was the youngest in my family,” she explained. “When I finally started interacting with kids, I noticed they were naturally drawn to me. I have a knack for connecting with children, and I absolutely love it. Their laughter is truly heartwarming.”
While pursuing her nursing education, Barnett felt a strong pull towards pediatrics. This specialty comes with its unique hurdles, particularly when it involves administering vaccinations.
“You build friendships with them, and then you have to break their trust,” she remarked. “And they remember. They remember for years. Yet, despite this, they continue to return, which is wonderful.”
Barnett said the bond she forms with the children and their families means more to her than just a paycheck.
“I actually had a kiddo a second ago, despite being super sick. I hollered her name, and she ran straight up and just latched on to me,” she said. “Was like, ‘hi.’ And there is nothing more rewarding than that. And you end up being friends and family with them forever, and watching them grow up. Sweet. I don’t have any of my own, right? So I claim these kids.”
She said she loves the part of her job where she gets to watch “her kids” grow.
“I actually had one of my first babies yesterday,” she said. “She was two months old whenever I started. So I gave her her first shot, my first baby. And she’s two now, over three, about to be three. And I told her mom, I was like, this is insane. And this, nothing beats it.”
Barnett says she is living her dream job, with a dream team.
“It’s very uplifting. There’s not a person out in that office that won’t tell me if I’m doing something wrong,” she said. “It makes you a better person. Being around these people. There’s nothing like it.”