Community Connect: Bess Russell, Health Nurse at Bibb Medical Center
By Savannah Logan
At Bibb Medical Center, wellness isn’t just a mission — it’s a passion lived out daily by dedicated professionals like Bess Russell. With a heart for service, a rich background in cross-cultural care, and an unwavering belief in the power of preventative health, Bess is a vital part of the BMC community. Whether she’s leading employee wellness challenges or helping someone take their first steps toward managing diabetes, her compassion and encouragement shine through.
We were fortunate to have Bess share more with us about her journey, the people and experiences that inspire her, and why loving others is at the heart of everything she does.
Can you tell us about your family?
“My husband, John Russell, and I have been married for 26 years. We have 3 children, a daughter-in-law, a son-in-law, and 3 grandchildren.”
How long have you lived in Bibb County?
“We’ve lived in Bibb County since 2018.”
Can you tell us about your role at BMC?
“My title is Health Nurse. I have several certifications including adult and senior health coach, ISSA personal trainer and nutrition coach, AHA CPR instructor, Red Cross lifeguarding instructor and water safety instructor. Some days I am meeting with BMC employees doing annual health screenings, helping employees stay up to date on CPR certification and vaccinations. Other days I may be working in the hospital or in the specialty clinic assisting patients having colonoscopies, cataract surgery, or wound care. Another part of my work is meeting with clients for health coaching, for diabetes education or for teaching swimming lessons. All my jobs are primarily focused on wellness and prevention of illness and injury.”
What are some of your favorite ways to focus on promoting community health?
“I love to help others have fun while working towards accomplishing achievable goals. A smile, encouragement, and a high five can turn what seems like a chore for a client into a fun and engaging session. As the employee health nurse, it has been fun thinking of quarterly employee health challenges. We’ve done them competing as individuals and as teams.”
What inspired you to focus on employee and community health specifically?
“Working with patients in the hospital inspired me to focus on community health. So many times, I thought of how poorly managed chronic health conditions can easily become a drain on resources and an uphill battle for patients. Focusing on patient education, resources, and preventative care provides a link that helps decrease ER visits, hospitalizations, and increases quality of life.”
Can you tell me a little about your background and what led you to a career in nursing?
“I didn’t always want to be a nurse. My childhood dream was to be a veterinarian, but after I formed a relationship with Jesus, my dream became to serve others as a cross-cultural witness. I had heard about how missionaries often showed the love of Christ in other geographical areas utilizing their secular profession and many were English teachers. Well, my mother was a high school English teacher and knowing how hard she worked in an underappreciated field and how I did not care much for the subject, I thought about nursing.
“I earned my BSN at Auburn University in 1998. My first job was at Camp ASCCA, I worked in child behavioral health, orthopedics, and in medical-surgical departments while John and I were raising support to work with The Mission Society. We lived and worked in the Upper West region of Ghana as cross-cultural witnesses from 2005–2010 alongside the Ghana Methodist Church. I homeschooled our oldest two children and made nurse home visits for nationals living in rural areas in the region under the Upper West Ghana Ministry of Health. That was my dream and since then all the other nursing jobs I have had I see as a bonus blessing.”
Are there any specific community outreach programs or events that you’re particularly proud to be a part of?
“BMC offers Diabetes Self-Management Education Services. It has been so affirming to work with clients to discover how a little change can make a positive impact on controlling blood sugar.”
Is there a moment or story from your work that really stuck with you or affirmed that you’re in the right field?
“One instance stands out where the client had a high blood sugar level. During our session the client drank 24oz of water, walked and used the stationary bicycle for 50 minutes. When we rechecked the blood sugar, it had dropped 40 points. The client was surprised and pleased to see that they had controlled their blood sugar with just a few relatively simple actions.”
How do you stay motivated and energized in a role that involves caring for so many others?
“Motivation and the energy to continue working in this field is fueled by the employees, clients, and patients I get to work with.”
What advice would you give to someone looking to take better care of their health but not sure where to start?
“If someone really wants to make positive changes but is unsure where to start, I tell them to make a SMART goal. One that is specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timebound. Then get a buddy or health coach to help keep them on track.”
When you’re not working, how do you like to spend your time?
“Outside of work I enjoy spending time outdoors. Yard work, bicycling, running, hiking, sightseeing, swimming, and meeting new people while being with family are my favorite way to spend free time.”
Where is your favorite place that you have traveled to?
“I think everywhere that I have visited I have had a favorite experience. The one that sticks out the most is Ephesus, Turkey. Walking down the remains of streets once lined with statues of gods and visiting the Basilica of Saint John was especially impactful. Turkey is so rich with biblical history.”
Do you have any pets?
“The pet count is now up to 25. We have a little hobby farm, so I include all those critters.”
Is there a particular verse in the Bible that inspires you?
“John 13:34, ‘A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.’ inspires me that no matter what, love is most important. What is our purpose in life if not to love each other?”
From rural Ghana to Bibb County, Bess Russell has made a life out of serving others with heart and purpose. Her approach to health goes beyond treatment — she brings joy, encouragement, and faith into every encounter. Through her work, Bess continues to build a healthier, more connected community, one smile and high five at a time.
