Congratulations, Nora!

Congratulations to our mom, Nora, who just retired after working 42 years as a registered nurse!



 A brief history:

1966:  Graduated  nursing school at the University of Santo Thomas, Manila, Philippines

1967-1971:  Public Health Nurse at the Rural Health Unit, Gerona, Tarlac, Philippines

1972-1975:  Hardin County Hospital, Rosiclare, Illinois

1979-1982:  Victory Memorial Hospital,  Brooklyn, NY,  Medical Surgical Unit  

1982-1983:  VA Hospital, Indianapolis, IN, Medical Unit

1983-yesterday:  VA Hospital, Jackson, MS, Dialysis Unit



While working at the rural health clinic in the Philippines, she made house calls at all hours, day and night, and delivered over 100 babies on her own (and she was only 20 years old at the time! Can you imagine?!)  During her time at Victory Memorial in Brooklyn, we were always so proud as she regularly came home with boxed chocolates, flowers and other gifts from patients' families - small tokens of thanks for her great care.  And while working in dialysis, she took the time each year to bake homemade treats for her patients during the holidays. (When's the last time you had a nurse who baked you cookies?) As far as nurses go, our mom was the best of the best.  And as far as moms go, she is the best of the best, too.

During her last week at VA, Simms and I visited her at work.  We bumped into her in the hospital corridor and she was carrying a large piece of cake.  I asked, "What's that for?"  Mom replied, "It's one of my patient's birthdays today. I wanted to make sure he got a birthday cake."   For 42 years and up until her very last day as a nurse, she carried an unwavering commitment to care for other people. 

There's a reason why nurses are called "angels with stethoscopes." Our mom epitomized this.  

Congratulations, mom, on your retirement after 42 years. You've made us very proud. 
And now...the fun really begins!



Mom and her coworkers in the dialysis unit




Simms making the rounds

 

One of mom's favorite patients