May is National Nurses Month, a time to celebrate nurses and honor the work they’ve done. For Shemekia Wright, it’s more than just a job — it’s a calling.
Wright never imagined her nursing career would lead to working with young people. She began her career at a geriatric residential living center, and at the time, pediatric or behavioral health nursing was not part of her plan.
When Wright was approached about an opportunity to work with youth, she hesitated. Working with children was not where she saw herself. Still, she decided to give it a chance and quickly discovered she loved the connections and the impact she could make. Not long after, a fellow nurse told her about Youth Villages.
Wright was drawn to Youth Villages because of her interest in psychiatric nursing and the youth success stories that inspired her. She found a place where care is holistic, relational and deeply meaningful.
Originally from Ripley, Tennessee, Wright earned her LPN from Tennessee Tech and later completed her bachelor’s degree in health care management from Waldorf University. In her first six years at Youth Villages, her career advanced rapidly from clinic nurse to charge nurse and then to nurse manager. Today, in her 10th year with the organization, she serves as nurse manager for West Tennessee Group Homes.
In her role, Wright is hands-on every day. In addition to providing emotional support, she manages medical appointments, medications and routine health visits for teenagers in the group homes. She also coordinates closely with schools and care teams to ensure each young person’s needs are fully supported.
“This role really touches every aspect of nursing,” Wright said. “You’re caring for their physical health, but you’re also building trust and helping kids feel safe mentally and emotionally.”
In addition to gaining practical experience, Wright is making a meaningful difference.
She recalled a young man she supported not only with nursing care, but also patience and emotional reassurance. Through consistency and compassion, Wright became a safe space for him. After his discharge, she unexpectedly encountered him in public. He hugged her and proudly introduced her to his family as the nurse who helped him when he needed it most.
Wright believes trust is built by doing what you say you will do and showing up every time. For the young people at Youth Villages, she represents reliability. For the nurses she leads, she is an example of what growth in the field can look like.
When asked what she would tell nurses considering working in this field, her answer is simple.
“This is a place where growth happens for the kids and the nurses alike,” she said. “You see their success and the change. It’s worth it.”
Youth Villages offers nurses exposure to a full spectrum of care. Nurses develop clinical skills, leadership abilities and emotional intelligence while collaborating, problem-solving and advocating for youth. Most importantly, they see the results of their work in real time.
For nurses looking for purpose, connection and a career where their work truly matters, learn more at youthvillages.org/careers.
Youth Villages celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. The nonprofit is a national leader in mental and behavioral health committed to finding the most effective solutions to help children, families and young adults overcome obstacles and live successfully. Youth Villages works through direct services, partnerships with innovative public agencies and advocacy in 29 states and the District of Columbia.
