One of the “benefits” of working at Blessing – for which neither the employee nor employer pays a “premium” – is friendship. Not just the, I’ll get that call light, or answer that ringing phone or do whatever I can to help you out coworker-type of friendship. We are talking about a heart-felt relationship here. The kind of friendship a group of six Pre-Surgical Anesthesia Clinic (PAC) employees share.
“It’s the best group I’ve ever worked with,” said Alyssa Morse, RN.
Alyssa is the “baby” of a group of PAC coworkers who recently shared milestone anniversaries during Healthcare Appreciation Week totaling 215 years of service. The members of this anniversary crew are Kathy Bracy, RN, and Cathy Prunty, LPN, who celebrated 45 years of service each; Roseann Hugenberg and Michelle Van Blair, RNs, who celebrated 40 years each; secretary Judy Tournear who celebrated 30 years and Alyssa who celebrated 15 years of service.
“We work really well together,” Alyssa continued. “They are kind of like my other mothers.”
“Not only are we all colleagues. We are friends. We would do anything for each other,” Kathy Bracy added.
“We’re like one big family and support each other like family members,” said Judy.
“It’s awesome,” stated Roseann. “There are no secrets in this group. No backstabbing. No drama. We all help each other out.”
“I worked on the floors for 35 years. I wouldn’t trade any of that. I learned so much,” Cathy Prunty shared. “But when I came here, it was a whole different ballgame. It’s a great place. Everyone is warm and welcoming. We all get along.”
Michelle remembers joining the PAC team after 36 years in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit. “I was very nervous about starting in a new area after 36 years, but they were so welcoming. Whether it’s financially, emotionally, or covering a shift – we’re family.”
Each of these women are quick to add that it is not just them of which they speak, but the culture of the PAC – where all staff practice exceptional teamwork and treat each other as family.
Breaking up the band
It’s not like when the Beatles broke up, but the PAC team is experiencing a wave of retirements that includes Roseann in June, Cathy Prunty in August and Kathy Bracy in September.
“It’s kind of bittersweet,” Kathy Bracy admits. “It was kind of hard to turn in my retirement notice. But I am ready to begin my new chapter and be able to do some of the things I have not been able to do.”
Cathy Prunty offers this tip as she heads into retirement, “Enjoy your work. People say, ‘I’m going to work.’ If you are going to work, enjoy your work.”
Roseann urges younger workers to look at their careers as a journey to be enjoyed. “Every position you have helps prepare you for the next one. You take what people teach you when you move on. I learned about teamwork on the floors.”
Alyssa has taken that lesson to heart. “I will miss everybody, but I am happy for them and thank them for all the knowledge they have shared. It has helped shape me, for sure.”
In the meantime, Surgical Services Business Operations Manager Shannon Walker, RN, is busy trying to fill some big shoes among the PAC team. And while Shannon admits that the experience of Roseann, Kathy and Cathy – and others of the PAC team who are retiring - will be hard to replace - he looks forward to offering the opportunity for success to another generation of nurses.
“We’ll pay it forward and watch them grow and advance as these nurses have,” Shannon said.