It’s hard to believe—June 5th will mark 50 years since I first became a nurse. I remember the feeling of putting on that crisp white uniform, brand new clinic shoes, and cap, stepping onto the unit for the first time, and thinking, “This is where I belong.” I didn’t know then the depth of the journey I was beginning or how much this profession would shape me.
Then and Now: Adapting to a Changing Profession
Back then, everything was different. I charted on paper, learned IV flow rates by heart, and gave care with minimal technology. I learned how to read a patient’s face before I learned to read a cardiac monitor. I relied on the wisdom of the nurses who came before me, and soon, others began to rely on me.
Over the years, I’ve seen it all—miraculous recoveries, heartbreaking losses, quiet acts of courage, and incredible breakthroughs. I’ve adapted to new technologies and adjusted to wave after wave of change. From handwritten notes to electronic records, from basic vital signs to predictive analytics—I’ve kept learning, evolving, growing.
From Bedside to Boardroom: A Nurse’s Career Journey
I’ve gone places in my career I never thought I would… from working as an ICU nurse in the Greater Boston area and Bermuda, to being a published author, to being a sought-after consultant, and now CEO of the best consultant company I know- Creative Health Care Management!
I’ve witnessed the transformation of nursing. I’ve seen our roles expand, our voices grow stronger, and our impact deepen. I’ve been a caregiver, an educator, a mentor, a leader, and an advocate. I’ve helped new nurses find their footing and watched them grow into leaders.
What Hasn’t Changed: The Power of Human Connection
Through it all, I’ve stayed rooted in the one thing that hasn’t changed: the human connection.
Some moments will stay with me forever: the first patient I lost, the first thank-you card I received, the deep connections forged with several patients, the time I stood up for what was right… even when it was hard and could have been career limiting, the laughter with colleagues that carried us through the hardest days.
Nursing today looks different. It’s faster, more complex, and more demanding. Nurses are expected to be everything: tech-savvy, evidence-based, and emotionally resilient. It’s a lot! But I see the strength in today’s nurses, and I’m proud to have been part of laying the groundwork they now build upon.
The Legacy I Hope to Leave
This isn’t just a career I chose. It’s a calling I answered. And even after 50 years, I still feel the purpose in my heart. While I am no longer “at the bedside,” I know I am continuing to make a difference in this profession I so deeply love.
As I reflect on all that I’ve seen and done, I ask myself: What will I carry with me, have I made a difference in the lives of other nurses, and what legacy will I leave?
I hope I’ve left behind a sense of integrity, compassion, and possibility—that someone felt more confident, more seen, or more inspired because I was part of their path.
A Message to the Next Generation of Nurses
To those who are just beginning: You are stepping into something sacred. Take care of your patients—but also take care of yourself. And never forget the power of presence.
Fifty years… a lifetime of stories. And I wouldn’t change a thing!
As we celebrate 50 years of purpose and presence, we invite you to reflect on your own journey. Whether you’re just starting or decades in—what does nursing mean to you? What legacy will you leave?
🔗 Discover more or let us know at CHCM.com.
Gen is driven by the desire to help clients create organizational excellence through measurable improvement. She thrives on helping others reach meaningful goals, including Magnet® designation.
