People Worth Caring About

Peggy Abels, Director of Health Sciences at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, joins Peter to share her 30-year journey guiding students into health care careers. She discusses her rural roots, the growing needs across Nebraska, and the programs UNK and UNMC have built to strengthen the state’s health care workforce.

Peggy walks through the creation of Health Science Explorers and the Kearney Health Opportunities Program (KHOP), explaining how these initiatives spark interest early, support first-generation students, and help rural communities build long-term access to care.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

01:48 Seeing rural roots shape her path toward health care service.

02:50 Nebraska’s rising need for a stronger rural health care workforce.

05:29 Health care education remains hands-on despite industry shifts.

07:17 KHOP supports rural students from college to eventual practice.

08:24 Nebraska builds a uniquely comprehensive health care workforce pipeline.

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On this episode, host Peter Murphy Lewis talks with Jessica Guerrero, Administrator of Emerald Nursing and Rehab Lakeview, whose journey from a teenage dietary aide to a respected health care leader is as inspiring as it is heartfelt. Jessica shares her path from working at Subway to building a culture of compassion and belonging within her facility. She opens up about overcoming fear and imposter syndrome, leading through vulnerability, and transforming a once-struggling workplace into a true home for residents and staff alike.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

01:24 A coworker’s encouragement sparked passion for a health care career path.

03:01 Imposter syndrome nearly cost Jessica her administrator position twice.

03:57 Perfectionism as a manager can scare employees away.

05:08 Building a team with aligned values fills organizational gaps automatically.

06:34 Creating a genuine culture can transform the workplace environment and satisfaction.

10:32 Therapy can help leaders recognize their accomplishments and overcome self-doubt.

12:52 Having amazing energy can bless other people in long-term care.

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On this episode, host Peter Murphy Lewis talks with Benjamin VanDiest, a sophomore at the University of Nebraska Kearney and Certified Nursing Assistant at Mount Carmel Home. Benjamin shares his journey from a high school CNA class to discovering a deep passion for caregiving. He reflects on lessons learned from the elderly residents he serves and the personal inspiration he draws from his own family’s experience with caregiving.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

01:16 Taking a CNA class in high school sparked an early interest in health care.

03:00 Overcoming first-day nerves and gaining confidence through mentorship.

04:20 Discovering the deeper purpose behind caregiving and connection.

05:32 Learning wisdom from residents who lived through major historical moments.

06:36 Becoming more patient and gentle through daily interactions with elders.

07:32 Drawing inspiration from his grandmother’s compassion as a lifelong caregiver.

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In this episode, Victoria Arrowsmith, a Certified Nursing Assistant of Brookestone of Papillion, shares her inspiring journey from high school science teacher to health care professional. Her career transition during the COVID-19 pandemic led her to discover profound purpose through patient care and human connection in long-term care settings.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

02:40 Career transitions can open unexpected paths to purpose.

03:00 Global crises can catalyze meaningful personal transformations.

03:52 Genuine human connections form health care’s most powerful foundation.

04:44 Small compassionate gestures create lasting impacts on patients.

06:12 True leaders inspire others to pursue growth opportunities.

06:40 Thoughtful acts of kindness matter most during grief.

07:52 Confronting mortality reminds us to cherish loved ones.

08:40 Early exposure to compassionate care can shape vocations.

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On this episode, host Peter Murphy Lewis talks with Collette Mieres, Executive Director of Ovation Heartwood Preserve. She shares how early lessons in compassion shaped her leadership in senior living and how creativity, empathy, and everyday acts of kindness drive meaningful care for both residents and staff.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

01:01 Family influences can shape a lifelong commitment to care.

04:17 Love and care for patients make a lasting impact.

06:38 Creativity in daily activities enhances connection and joy.

08:44 Treating others like family builds trust and belonging.

12:44 Leadership is about being on the floor with your team.

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