Finding Joy Amidst Hardship

Finding Joy Amidst Hardship

NYC’s “Hometown Heroes” Parade celebrated essential workers who supported New Yorkers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic on July 7, 2021. The parade’s route started at Manhattan’s Battery Park, traveled along the Canyon of Heroes, and ended with a special ceremony in City Hall Park. One such hero is Trinidadian Heather Juman-James.

Heather Juman-James, RN, describes her father as her ultimate hero. He told her at an early age that it’s important to help as many people as possible, and that philosophy stuck. Heather, who describes herself as a “kind and caring person,” felt she had what it took to become a nurse and answered the call.

Heathier is currently a Gastrointestinal Supervisor at AdvantageCare Physicians’ Flushing medical office. When COVID-19 tested everyone’s limits last year, Heather remained true to her calling and didn’t miss a beat when it came to providing quality, compassionate care, working diligently to create a safe environment for her patients. “When I saw the relief on their faces after they received the safe and competent care that they needed, this is what kept me going,” she says. “Nurses have the ability to bring understanding and peace during what can be a confusing or challenging time.”


Listen to an interview with Heather Juman-James, RN on “Being Selected as a Hometown Hero” below:
 

Whenever Heather needs to decompress after long hours or caring for extremely ill patients, she finds comfort in baking. She often delivers her baked goods to patients and colleagues who need emotional support. Keeping faith has guided Heather a long way. The COVID-19 pandemic has been a rough journey, but Heather is ready to apply the many lessons she has learned regarding her future as a medical professional and in life.

“Resilience is key. I learned to appreciate life and my loved ones. I realized that I have unlimited potential to adapt and bring out the natural leader in me,” says Heather. “It’s necessary to be attentive and sensitive to patient’s needs and address those needs with the utmost concerned manner during those unprecedented times.” For her hard work and dedication, Heather is our Caribbean star.

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