This month, Yvonna Lee will go back to school with the goal of becoming a registered nurse.

“I am hoping to continue my education throughout my career and see where that takes me,” said Yvonna, whose mother and grandmother were also nurses.

Her career in health care began in high school, when she worked as a dietary aide at a senior community in Ellinwood, Kan.

After graduation, the Chase, Kan., native became a certified nursing assistant. She worked in that capacity for nine years, including two as a CNA for Sterling Presbyterian Manor.

Yvonna became a licensed practical nurse two years ago, after studying at Barton County Community College. She joined the Wichita Presbyterian Manor nursing staff last July. Previously, she worked for an outpatient treatment center.

“Nursing is great because you can get your feet wet working in the field while you decide if it’s right for you,” Yvonna said. “And you can continue to make money while going to school.”

She chose to continue her career at Presbyterian Manor because she enjoys working with an older population, and she liked her job at Sterling Presbyterian Manor.

She appreciates the relationships she has formed here, both with residents and her coworkers.

“The residents are my favorite. I enjoy working with them and for them,” Yvonna said. “We also have a really good team, so that’s up there for me, too.”

Yvonna will start another new chapter next month when she marries her fiancé Corbin, a construction inspector.

Between the two of them, they have four children: Marius, 10; Greyson, 9; Savannah, 6; and Landen, 4.

The family enjoys spending time fishing, camping and hiking. Yvonna and Corbin even planned their wedding around outdoor adventures: The couple will travel to Asheville, N.C., to tie the knot.

“We picked it because we love the mountains,” Yvonna said. “We want to explore the area while we’re there.”

They plan to celebrate with friends and family at a reception after they return home.

The World Health Organization designated 2020 as “the year of the nurse.” This observation coincides with the 200th birth anniversary of revolutionary nurse Florence Nightingale, whose leadership forever elevated the nursing profession. Throughout the year, PMMA communities will shine a spotlight on nurses as part of this global recognition. You can share your nurse story by sending an email to 2020YearoftheNurse@pmma.org.