Shea Retires After Distinguished 30 Year Career

In July, MNA staff and volunteers bid farewell to one of its most respected and experienced staff members, when Margaret "Peg" Shea retired from the organization after 17 years of service as an associate director in the MNA Department of Nursing and more than 30 years of service to the MNA as a member, volunteer and leader within the organization.

"Peg leaves this organization having left an indelible mark on the MNA and the profession of nursing through her experience and skills as a volunteer, staffer and nurse leader," said Mary Manning, MNA executive director, who also worked closely with Shea when she headed the department of nursing.

Shea, who has been a nurse for more than half this Century, graduated from Roger Willams Diploma School in 1947, and later went on to receive a bachelors and masters degrees in nursing from Boston University School of Nursing. Her involvement with the MNA began in 1969 when she was elected to the Board of Directors of District 3. From there, she became active on the state level, first serving on a committee dealing with the entry into practice issue, and eventually being elected to the MNA Board of Directors. Shea was also active on the national nursing scene, serving more than 10 years as an MNA Delegate to the ANA House of Delegates.

Recognized by MNA staff as a committed and intelligent advocate for her profession, then Nursing Department Director Mary Reagon approached Shea in 1982 when an opening developed in the nursing department for an associate director. Shea accepted, launching a distinguished career with the MNA as a staff member.

A medical/surgical nurse in her practice, Shea has built her career on a commitment to continuing education and professional development for the nursing profession. During her tenure at MNA, Shea played a pivotal role in overseeing the MNA's continuing education program. Shea provided support and direction as the Administrator of MNA's ANCC-accredited Approver Unit to the Cabinet on Continuing Education and the Continuing Education review teams, thus contributing significantly to the high quality operation of MNA's CE approver unit. This included her success in guiding the MNA through two rigorous accreditation reviews by the American Nurse Credentialing Center.

According to Shirely Duggan, long-time colleague and associate director in the MNA nursing department, "Her expertise as a nurse educator has significantly influenced the quality of MNA's educational programming. She has also been singled out by members and staff for advice on continuing education for nurses."

Among her many accomplishments was her work with friend and colleague Patricia Brigham (now director of the MNA Memberhsip Department) to organize and implement MNA's highly popular Baystate Nurse Education Conference at Northeastern University.

"That was a huge undertaking, but I am really proud of the quality of the programming we were able to pull together for our members," Shea said.

Shea can also take pride in her work to support nurses struggling with substance abuse, through her years of work in the formation and management of the MNA Peer Assistance Program. The program, founded in 1982, was created at the urging of members who thought it important for MNA to do something for nurses with substance abuse issues.

Shea staffed the MNA Addictions Council which developed a statewide network of specialists in addicitions who volunteer to provide peer consultation to nurses in need of help with addictions, by providing anonymous support and referral to needed resources and services.

According the Carol Kowalski, co-chair of the Addictions Council and a founder of the Peer Assistance program, "Peg was the lynchpin to the Peer Assistance Program at the MNA. It was her job to take calls from nurses in need of peer assistance and to match them with the right counselor. Her skills at evaluating and understand people allowed her to find the perfect match for nurses in need.

Kowalski emphasized Shea's enthusiasm for her work. "In the beginning, Peg went to every workshop on addictions that we put on so that she could become familiar with the process to better help our members."

"I'm very proud of the work I did with Addictions Council," Shea said. "It is gratifying to have been involved with such a worthwhile program, knowing that the MNA has truly been there for nurses in real need of support."

Kowalski, as did other members interviewed for this story, commented on Shea's thoughtfulness in doing her job.

"Ill never forget when I had received an award from an organization dealing with addictions, Peggy showed up at the event with a bouquet of flowers to support me on the night."

Says Duggan, "She has been a valued colleague, who has supported us all in her quiet, caring way, as well as having been a major resource for our members. Peggy is a true professional and an elegant woman."

In closing out her service to the MNA, Shea acknowledges the kindness and skills of MNA staff and the commitment of MNA members.

"This was a very nice place to work because of the people I worked with, who are all so very warm, caring and talented," Shea said. "Seventeen years is a long time to stay in the same job, but I can honestly say I loved to coming to work every single day."

"I am also so happy to have worked with so many dedicated members of this association. I marvel at their professionalism and the pride they take in belonging to and working for their association."

Upon leaving the MNA, Shea is looking forward to a busy schedule, filled with many of her favorite activities. She will be moving into a beautiful new addition to her house in Duxbury, designed by her daughter, who as an architect.

"I intend to spend a lot more time with my six-year old grand daughter and my three sisters, "Shea explained.

She also bought some new golf clubs and will take up the game again after a 10 year hiatus. Shea also is an avid hiker, biker, cross country skier and gardener.

"We wish Peggy the best of luck and thank her for all she has done for the MNA and the profession of nursing," said Karen Daley, President of the MNA.