05/31/2026
Nursing is more than long shifts and hospital floors. It’s constant problem solving, emotional resilience, and showing up for people during some of the hardest moments of their lives. Today, we’re sharing the story of Paul, a progressive care nurse at Providence, and why nursing in Alaska continues to mean so much to him.
“My mom was a nurse when I was growing up, and that was a big part of what led me into nursing,” Paul shared. “Fundamentally, my job is to help people. And on top of that, I’m always learning new things.”
While many people see the physical side of nursing, Paul says the mental side is what often goes unnoticed. “We’re constantly trying to predict issues and solve them before they occur. Even if I’m not physically tired at the end of the day, mentally I’m completely exhausted.”
Still, it’s the people he cares for that continue to leave the biggest impact. “Seeing how resilient people can be in the face of unbearable situations is incredible.”
Outside of work, Paul spends as much time outdoors as possible fishing, hunting, and reconnecting with Alaska’s wilderness. “I love being able to get into the wilderness so quickly and completely disconnect.”
As a newer nurse himself, Paul encourages nursing students and recent graduates to give themselves grace while learning. “No one knows everything when they graduate. Even experienced nurses are still learning every day.”
For Paul, the Alaska Nurses Association helps give nurses a stronger collective voice. “The Alaska Nurses Association allows nurses to advocate for patient care, public health, and working conditions in ways individual nurses often can’t do alone.”
At the Alaska Nurses Association, we’re proud to support nurses like Paul who continue showing up for Alaska’s communities every single day.
