A family's calling to nursing

On any given day at University of Michigan Health-West, you might run into one of the Bos women caring for patients.

Look a little closer, and you may realize you’ve seen another one earlier that week… or even that same day.

Linda Bos, B.S.N., and her three daughters, Lydia Hollemans, Naomi Palmbos and Anika Bos, are all nurses at UM Health-West.

They work in different areas across the system, but their shared calling and connection show up in ways big and small.

For Linda, an ambulatory nurse coordinator at the Southwest Health Center in Wyoming, it’s a full-circle moment.

“Being a mom with three daughters as coworkers makes me so proud,” she said.

“I’ve had coworkers come up to me and say this one or that one took such great care of a patient or was so helpful. It makes me tear up just even talking about it.”

Linda joined UM Health-West in 2015 after a nursing career at Hope College’s Health Center.

Over the years, she’s found a place where she can grow and contribute.

“UM Health-West is a supportive environment and the culture here can’t be beat,” she said.

“I’ve found it very supportive to advance my career. And it’s a supportive culture where I can contribute. I serve on multiple committees.”

Her daughters noticed.

Lydia Hollemans, R.N., who works at the Cancer Center at UM Health-West Village, joined the organization in 2020 after graduating from Calvin University.

She remembers hearing about her mom’s experience long before she applied.

“My mom kept talking about UM Health-West and how welcoming and supportive it is here,” Lydia said.

“Every nurse matters here. You’re not just another employee lost in a huge organization.”

Naomi Palmbos, R.N. , followed in 2022, now working on the pediatric medical-surgical unit on Level 6 at the main hospital in Wyoming.

Her decision was shaped by both family and firsthand experience.

“I applied here during the pandemic,” Naomi said.

“I had a rounding experience at another hospital that wasn’t ideal and my mom kept mentioning what a great experience she was having working at UM Health-West.”

After completing an externship at UM Health-West Park East in Cascade, she knew it was the right fit.

“I liked it so much, I applied for a job on Level 6 at the hospital,” she said.

The youngest, Anika Bos, R.N., joined the intensive care unit team in July 2025 after graduating from Northern Michigan University.

For her, the draw was simple.

“What drew me to West was hearing from my mom and sisters and their experiences,” she said.

“I like the smaller, community-feeling health system. You get to know your coworkers and your patients here, and be known, too.”

Despite working in different departments, their paths cross in unexpected ways.

The sisters have cared for some of the same patients, sometimes handing off care as patients move between units. It can be confusing for patients and families — in a good way.

“Family members will sometimes look at us and ask, ‘Didn’t I just see you?’” one of the sisters said, laughing.

Even internally, their connection is well known.

On the daily nurse Teams chat, Linda’s colleagues often refer to Lydia, Naomi and Anika simply as “Linda’s daughters.”

“It’s fun,” Linda said.

“When you hear from other coworkers that your daughters are making a difference, I’m just so grateful.”

For Linda, the pride goes beyond shared careers.

“This is what you want for your children,” she said.

“To raise confident adults who make a difference.”