It is a bittersweet time as I enter my retirement.
My nursing career began upon graduation from Morningside college and I was able this spring to attend their Maud Adams Research Day, named in honor our our first nursing professor who has remained a voice in my head at every patient and student encounter for 45 years.
I've worked at the bedside at The University of Iowa, Rush University, and several hospices, for a nursing association, and have taught as adjunct at Oakton College for nearly 20 years and adjunct and full time at Northern Illinois University for nearly 15. I am grateful for my colleagues.
A phrase I have often used in lecture is, "Your identity as a nurse is not tied to a paycheck. You are a nurse in your family, in your community, and in the voting booth."
Now it is my time to focus on those places.
 |
| Oakton's 104 team |
 |
Oakton's 103 team
|
 |
| I was honored at half court at NIU this winter |
 |
Morningside faculty and guests attending the Maud Adams Research Day
Their new chair of undergraduate studies, Amanda Haverhals (on my left), is a cousin of mine! |
 |
| I never wore my cap in practice, but we did wear them as students. I donated mine to my high school theater's props/costume department upon graduation |
 |
| My final end-of-life lecture |
 |
| Morningside Class of 1980 |
