MEET JASPER
by Ashton Reely

Shouting. Heart monitors beeping. Gurneys rolling. The emergency room can be a very chaotic place - a place where circumstances and how to handle them can change in the blink of an eye. A mom, worried about her young son, sits with her head buried in her hands. A family stands over the bedside of their loved one, praying for a peace that passes understanding. A low voice from behind softly begins to sing: "Let not your heart be troubled/His tender words I hear/And resting on his goodness/I lose my doubts and fears/I draw Thee closer to me/A constant friend is He/His eye is on the sparrow/And I know he watches me." Looking up to behold this mystery gospel singer, the patient discovers that it is none other than emergency room nurse Jasper Fultz.

The State Board of Nursing chose Jasper, who is known for his uplifting gospel singing and the laughter he brings to the White County Medical Center, as Arkansas' Most Compassionate Caregiver for 2008. Nominated by his patients, their families and his fellow peers, Jasper said he was surprised when he turned the corner and found everyone there to congratulate and honor him for receiving the award. Serving as a nurse for 30 years, Jasper has spent 28 of those years with WCMC. To him, the joys of being a nurse are an "everyday thing."

"After someone goes down and you revive them, when they come back and you see them later and they tearfully say thank you - it's one of those things that stays with you to remind you that this is what you want to do."

"The good Lord," as Jasper lovingly refers to Him is where he receives his daily strength to press on - in a field that sees its share of sadness and heartache.

"I remind myself that one day I'll have to stand and answer to Him for everything I do in regard to people. It always keeps me in check - knowing that I will have to answer to Someone higher than my boss."

Nursing is not the only avenue in which Jasper is serving the Searcy community. Working alongside his wife Carole, the two have recently opened Carole's Copy and Print in downtown Searcy.

"I'd like to think that our business here will help revitalize the downtown area and give us the opportunity to serve the community and give back. You want to be able to build a place where, when you look back, you can see that you made a difference."

"We, in every phase of our lives, just try to glorify the good Lord in what we do," Jasper said. "Whether it's in business or in private or in public, it's all about Him. Contrary to popular belief, it's all about the good Lord."

Jasper said he has tried to instill this principle in his children and the other members of his family. The golden rule has always been at the forefront of family teaching, along with the Biblical example of rendering help to those in need. He always remembers, however, that it is because of the love and support that he receives in return, that he has even been able to be such an influential caregiver.

"No man is an island. The help and support I get from my team members who work in the emergency room with me [is a blessing] they are all the most compassionate caregivers." He also mentioned the selfless support of his wife and the encouragement from his mother and siblings.

After picturing the daily routine of a nurse, filled with its stresses, I asked Jasper: "What helps you pick yourself back up again and continue the rest of the way?" I sat in silence, expecting a witty quote or simple answer. He smiled slightly, opened his mouth and began to sing: "When I am down and, oh my soul so weary/When troubles come and my heart burdened be/Then, I am still and wait here in the silence/Until you come and sit awhile with me."

The beautiful song, one of my favorites, couldn't be more perfect. The Lord raises men like Jasper up so that they can stand on mountains, so that they can walk on stormy seas. It is because of this that they are able to reach out to other people when they are being tossed about in troubled waters. When the patients at WCMC are down and their souls are weary; when troubles come upon them and their hearts be burdened, they have someone who will sit a while with them - someone who will, in their darkest hour, remind them of God's unfailing love. Raising them higher than they ever imagined, the knowledge of this love allows them to gain the strength to carry on or gives them the peace to let go and reach the highest mountain of them all.

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