Mosaic Nurses Fill a Unique Role With Unique Rewards

It is National Nurses Week, an annual celebration that begins on May 6 and ends on May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, who is considered the founder of modern nursing. Mosaic’s nurses occupy a distinct niche in healthcare–working with people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). 

While the people IDD nurses serve have all of the same health concerns and challenges as the general population, they often also have health challenges that are unique to their disability. 

Mosaic nurses are the bridge between the people we support and other healthcare providers, who may not be familiar with people with IDD. Mosaic nurses are the bridge to best possible health for people. 

A few nurses at Mosaic talked about why they chose this specific healthcare niche. Common themes running through their comments revolved around finding the work more fulfilling than other areas of nursing they’ve been in, they believe people with IDD deserve great lives, and they just love the relationships they can build with people in this work.

“Being a nurse for individuals with IDD isn’t just a job, it’s also my calling,” said Kari Kreemer, a Mosaic nurse in Central Iowa. “Every person I work with teaches me something new about resilience, joy and the power of connection. I chose this path because I believe that every person deserves care, dignity and the chance to live a full and meaningful life. ”

For Sally Knox, also in Central Iowa, working at Mosaic with people with IDD completes an arc in her career from years ago. 

“I worked with medically fragile, intellectually and physically disabled children for 22 years before coming to Mosaic,” she said. “I tried working in a clinic, insurance, home care, but I returned to this clientele as this is where I belong and flourish. Many of the children I cared for are now the adults I serve at Mosaic. They are sweet souls with happy hearts. I love helping them live their best life ever.”

Having spent the first half of her career in pediatric psychiatric services, Corrine Ehlers, the health services manager for locations in eastern Nebraska, wanted to work with underserved populations, which she found at Mosaic.

“I learned that Mosaic is a different side of nursing with serving the IDD population,” she said. “I had so much to learn, as there are many complex individuals with various medical needs, and so many need a medical advocate to ensure their overall whole health is maintained.”

But she found more than that. 

“I always tell people that I learned the true meaning of joy by working with individuals at Mosaic. I see first-hand, despite their circumstances or abilities, they spread happiness and positivity in just one smile or laugh.”

For Kodie Shaw, a Mosaic nurse in Beatrice, it is all about building relationships she finds rewarding. 

“I love building trusting relationships with both the individuals we serve and the staff,” Kodie said. “There is something incredibly rewarding about supporting someone in becoming more independent, learning new health-related skills, and celebrating their growth and accomplishments along the way.

“Being part of their journey is both humbling and inspiring, and it’s what continues to drive me in my role as a nurse at Mosaic.”

Tyler Anderson, the Nebraska state health director, had similar remarks.

“I was looking for a place where I could build meaningful relationships with the people I support, and where the focus was on quality of life, not just acute care,” he said. 

That’s what led him to Mosaic.

“What I enjoy most is getting to know the individuals we support and being part of a team that truly advocates for them. Every day feels purposeful because I know the care and support we provide helps people live fuller, more independent lives. It’s rewarding to work in an environment where small victories are celebrated and where the connections we build make such a big impact.”

While their role is unique, nurses join Mosaic and remain with Mosaic for the same reasons as most people–it’s fulfilling work that has rewards which cannot be measured by a paycheck, but have immense value.  

If you know a nurse, make sure to thank them for what they do.