After an impressive combined 44 years of dedicated service, we are excited to announce the retirement of Patti Wilson, LPN, from the Med-Surg Department at BCMH. Patti’s career at BCMH has spanned several decades, during which she touched the lives of countless patients and colleagues.
Patti started her journey with us in 1976, shortly after graduating high school, when she began working in Medical Records as a temporary summer employee. By August, she had transitioned to Patient Accounts, where she worked for over a decade until 1990. After a brief stint working for Dr. Moore and Dr. Gehm in Nevada, Patti made a significant career shift by enrolling in nursing school. In 1994, she earned her LPN degree and began her longstanding career in the Med-Surg Department, where she has continued to provide compassionate care on the inpatient floor.
Her decision to enter the field of nursing was inspired when she found herself unemployed.
"I thought, well I'm unemployed, what am I going to do now? And out of the clear blue sky," she said one thought popped into her mind, "I think I'm going to be an LPN -- where did that thought come from? I had never thought about nursing. But I do believe the good Lord brought me into it, and after that, nursing was a passion of mine."
That same year, Patti faced the heartbreaking loss of both her mother and grandmother. "It was a very difficult year. But God helped me through that, and I do believe that now 30 years later, He sustained me through all of this. Him and Suzi [French]", she said, referring to her now retired co-worker, who worked alongside Patti. "And now I'm expecting Him to lead me into the next chapter of my life."
Over the years, Patti has been a consistent presence in the department, known for her professionalism and kind demeanor. She has seen many changes in the field, but her commitment to patient care and her team has never wavered. Her dedication to the health and well-being of others has been an inspiration to all who worked with her.
On February 5, we celebrated Patti’s remarkable career with a retirement party held in the BCMH Dining Room, along with several of her family members. It was a wonderful occasion filled with laughter, memories, and well-wishes for her future adventures.
Patti will be greatly missed, but we are thrilled for her as she begins this exciting new chapter in her life. Patti is looking forward to spending more time traveling, enjoying dinner theater, gardening, reading, and working on projects in her “She-Shed.” Though she’ll be stepping away from her full-time role, she plans to stay connected with BCMH by one day soon returning to volunteer for the Auxiliary. Her love of social interaction with employees and patients will continue to shine through in her volunteer work. We look forward to seeing her bright smile greeting us once more at the Volunteer information desk.
From all of us at BCMH, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Patti on her well-deserved retirement!
-Courtesy Bates County Memorial Hospital
