Spotlight on Chase Crenshaw, RN
Nurses’ Week, celebrated May 6–12, is a time to recognize and thank nurses who make a meaningful difference, including this one.
When people reflect on meaningful healthcare experiences, they often remember the nurse who stood beside them during life’s most difficult moments. For many patients and families who have visited Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, that nurse has been Chase Crenshaw, RN.
Chase’s journey into nursing began years ago at St. Joseph Memorial Hospital, where he was first introduced to patient care. His early work in long-term care taught him the importance of showing up for patients with compassion every day. He later gained experience working in the lab, where he developed a deeper appreciation for the critical behind-the-scenes work that supports quality patient care. Those early experiences helped shape the nurse he is today. Over time, Chase continued his education, earning his LPN and eventually his RN license. Nursing was not part of his original career plan. In fact, Chase once envisioned a future as a Japanese translator. When that plan did not materialize, he applied to nursing school on what he described as “a whim”. That decision ultimately led him to a career that has made a lasting impact on patients, families, and colleagues throughout our community.
Today, Chase works in PVCH’s Emergency Department, an environment where emotions can run high, and situations change rapidly. Even in these high-pressure settings, his calm presence stands out. One patient shared that despite the chaos often associated with the Emergency Department, Chase has a way of making everything feel manageable. “The Emergency Room tends to be anything but calm,” they said. “Yet when Chase is there, everything seems like it will be OK.”
That same patient later recalled a night marked by a profound loss in the Emergency Department. During a time of shock and grief, Chase remained with the family, checking in frequently and guiding them through what needed to happen next. He brought chairs, offered water, and ensured they were not left alone in their hardest moments. “I don’t know how we would have gotten through that night without him,” they shared.
Chase’s compassion is equally evident to those who work alongside him. “Chase is a nurse who shows true compassion for the art of nursing,” said Kendra Hagerman, Director of Nursing. “He cares deeply about his patients and his coworkers and strives to provide the best possible care while supporting those around him.”
Another story shared from years earlier highlights the lasting impact of Chase’s approach to care. A young child was brought to the Emergency Department, every parent’s greatest fear. As tests were being completed, the room filled quickly, and the child became upset. When the parents were asked to step out and noticed their child had gone quiet, their fear intensified. Looking back into the room, they saw Chase standing at the bedside, softly stroking their child’s hair and speaking gently to him. In that moment, everything felt safer, a memory the parents have carried with them for years.
For Chase, moments like these define what nursing truly means. He shared that caring for patients receiving hospice or comfort care has had a particularly lasting impact on him. Being present, offering reassurance, or simply holding a patient’s hand during their final moments is a responsibility he considers a privilege. “Every day is a gift for me to care for others,” he said.
Although Chase briefly worked elsewhere during the COVID-19 pandemic, his time away only reaffirmed where his heart belonged. He returned to PVCH for the people, the coworkers he considers family, and the community he calls home.
During Nurses’ Week, we recognize the skill, dedication, and long hours that nurses provide every day. We also honor the moments that never appear in medical charts, the quiet reassurance, the dignity shown during loss, and the compassion patients and their families remember long after they leave.
PVCH is deeply grateful for nurses like Chase Crenshaw. His growth, dedication, and decision to continue serving this community exemplify why nurses matter and why having people like Chase at PVCH makes all the difference.
