We feel a “special” kind of way about our amazing Special Projects Nurses at WellSpan. Every day, they go above and beyond for patients, community members, and our very own team members.

The 28 nurses offer a total of 896 years of nursing experience combined, with three of them contributing more than 50 years of experience individually.

What is a Special Projects Nurse?

These individuals consist of nurses who are retired, semi-retired, or want to take a step back from full-time work. From providing clinical support in practices, attending a community event to provide blood pressure screenings, or sharing expertise in nursing professional development, they support wherever they’re needed. Whether they’re registered nurses or licensed practical nurses, the program is a way for them to stay engaged and share their knowledge, making a significant impact both at WellSpan and in local communities.

Meet Helen

Helen Copenheaver has been a Special Projects Nurse since November 2022, but her nursing experience totals over 18 years.

She was drawn to the role because it intersected her need for personal flexibility, while also providing the opportunity to continue making a professional impact. “I am so grateful for WellSpan’s vision for Special Projects Nurses,” Helen says. “They have supported me to continue advancing nursing practice and healthcare delivery while navigating my own life’s demands.”

Her favorite part of her role is seeing the relationship develop between nurse and patient in such a short period of time when helping in a community setting. Her position specifically involves visiting communities to provide health screenings, especially for vulnerable and special populations.

“Sitting knee to knee with patients in their space and seeing the organic conversation and trust built so rapidly is very special,” says Helen. “It’s amazing to witness my colleagues practice not just the basics of nursing, but also the art of personalized care first-hand. They sit down with a blank canvas of what they’re going to help someone with, and by the end of the interaction, it’s a new painting each time of the individualized care provided.”

She’s excited to see the growth and expansion of how she and her fellow team members can help WellSpan and the community. “We’re involved in so many different things,” Helen says. “It shows the ability of nurses to transform any gaps that exist in the health system. The team really brings something ‘special’ to the table with all of our work.”

Meet Karen

At 70 years old, Karen Fanus has been a nurse for the majority of her life – 48 years. When she retired after 18 years as a nurse manager for Inpatient Oncology at WellSpan York Hospital in November 2021, she knew deep down that she wasn’t finished helping others.

After recovering from numerous surgeries, Karen learned more about the Special Projects Nurses team. She knew it was the right move for her and has been a team member for two years.

“I really missed nursing and the patients,” says Karen. “Returning to this work has been the icing on the cake.”

Her favorite part of her role is the variety of different projects she can assist with. Being involved in the community has opened her eyes to the various disparities among patients. She feels very humbled to work with these populations and strives to do more for them every day.

“We recently provided blood pressure screenings at a Mexican consulate event in York, and it was such an amazing experience,” says Karen. “Even though it was difficult for the nurses to connect verbally with most of the patients, there was still so much laughter and communication between everyone. You could really feel the appreciation, and love and support amongst families there. It was very special.”

According to Karen, being a nurse is a part of her DNA. She is proud of her team’s work and ability to help others through various skills and opportunities.

“WellSpan has been a home to me for so many years,” she says. “The fact that they acknowledge Special Projects Nurses and invite us in to continue to practice…It means so much.”

Special Projects Nurse Karen Fanus provides a blood pressure screening to a patient. 

Flu vaccines

You may see Karen, Helen, and other Special Project Nurses this fall season as they step up to help provide flu vaccines at clinics across the WellSpan footprint.

Getting a flu shot is a safe and important part of maintaining your overall health. Schedule your flu shot appointment online or with your WellSpan primary care provider. Get started at my.wellspan.org.