Answering the call to care: Meet Halle, RN
- kalinmckean
- Apr 29
- 3 min read
Every day, patients across Ascension Wisconsin share appreciation for the compassionate nurses who made a positive difference in their healing journeys.
When a grateful patient at Ascension St. Elizabeth needed treatment in the wound care department, his nurse Halle was a bright light during a challenging time, sharing “Halle’s amazing care and continuous positive attitude were essential in my care. I truly enjoyed talking with her at each visit. I had a few setbacks but she was always cheering for my success and kept a positive attitude throughout the process. Not sure I would have made it without her support!!”
For Halle VanHandel, RN, encouraging patients throughout their healing journeys is an important part of her job.
“It's not lost on me that the process of wound healing can feel lengthy for patients,” Halle said. “In light of that, I say it's my goal to be realistically encouraging. I never look to offer false hope but always to notice and highlight the ‘wins’ along the way, no matter how small. Healing is rarely linear, and keeping our patients' spirits realistically encouraged allows them to remain steadfast and engaged in their care.”
Although being a nurse is an aspect of her life she is extremely grateful for, it wasn’t a profession Halle always envisioned for herself.
Halle’s passion for nursing developed somewhat unexpectedly. At 14 years old, she began spending time with an elderly woman named Jan who was living with Parkinson’s Disease, and the two quickly became friends.
When Halle was a sophomore in college, Jan passed away. During their final visit together, Halle was inspired by the genuine compassion and care nurses showed her friend. Despite being halfway through her business degree at the time, she transferred into the school of nursing the very next day, feeling as if she found her calling.
Since then, Halle has cared for many patients with the same kindness and compassion nurses showed her friend Jan.
One particular moment Halle will always remember was when she cared for a patient with a significant abdominal wound. The patient mentioned she needed her toenails trimmed, but could not do it on her own. After offering to help, Halle’s kindness was returned in a beautiful way.
“After I finished trimming her nails, the patient asked if she could pray for me in return, saying it was all she had to give. She proceeded to say the most beautiful prayer over my work and life. I was deeply humbled and reminded of the blessing found in serving others.”
Today, Halle continues to view her role of a nurse as a blessing, and does her best to serve faithfully in the moments she is given.
“I view my work as my God-given assignment for the day,” Halle shared. “Each day is a gift and an opportunity to glorify the Lord through caring for those He places in my path. At the end of the day, I'm so grateful to be a nurse! I count it one of my life's joys to serve and show love to those in my care.”
Help recognize Ascension Wisconsin nurses as Guardian Angels
Every day, nurses like Halle make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients, and it is the support of our community that helps make this work possible.
“The heart of nursing is rooted in human connection, but we rely on the right support and resources to make our work possible,” Halle shared. “All of us will need healthcare at some point, whether it's for ourselves or a loved one. When the community invests in nurses and patient care, they can be confident it will return to them.”
Is there an Ascension Wisconsin nurse who made a meaningful difference during your care? You can honor that individual as your Guardian Angel by making a gift in their honor, sharing your story or both. Visit giveAWF.org/guardian-angel to learn more.
