News & Events

Proud St. Vincent Nurse Defends Stand for Safe Staffing

TELEGRAM & GAZETTE

Friday, April 1, 2011

Proud to be part of nursing profession

I’m a registered nurse at St. Vincent Hospital. I started at age 14 as a volunteer, then worked in the cafeteria while going to nursing school. I accepted my first nursing position at St. Vincent Hospital at the age of 20. I love my profession, patients and all of my medical colleagues.

During my 30 years as a nurse, I have seen many changes, some positive, but more negative due to the corporation of health care. It has become almost impossible to deliver the safe, quality care that our patients deserve. In spite of this, nurses at St. Vincent Hospital try to deliver care with the utmost skill, compassion and sincerity every day. We will continue our battle for safe staffing with the same sincerity and passion. Nursing is a special calling for each of us, never to be mistaken as just a job.

I’m proud to be a member of the Massachusetts Nurses Association, and of its history of protecting patients and the profession of nursing. It is because of our commitment to the safety of our patients that all of us remain strong, united and proud.

JEAN D. TURCOTTE

Worcester