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Carol Philipps Honored at Statewide Health Care Employee Recognition Program
When Carol Philipps was a child growing up, all she ever wanted to be was a nurse and help other people. Whenever anyone would ask her what she wanted to be when she grew up, without hesitation the reply was, “I want to be a nurse.” And for the past 31 years, her dream has been a reality.
Philipps, a Registered Professional Nurse at Langlade Memorial Hospital, can still recall her first night on the job, scared to death yet confident she could make a difference in someone’s life.
To recognize her and others from across the State with similar sentiments, the WI Hospital Association held it’s Wisconsin Health Care Employee Pride Program reception, dinner and ceremony at the Blue Harbor Resort in Sheboygan on May 4, where she, and 60 other hospital employees were honored. According to Janelle Markgraf, Langlade Memorial Hospital’s Human Resources Director, and whose professional association is a co-sponsor of the event, “the program was created a few years ago to celebrate the pride that health care employees have in their work and the contributions they make to their patients, their community, and their profession.” According to Wisconsin Hospital Association President Steve Brenton. “People who work in hospitals are among Wisconsin’s most dedicated and valuable employees. It takes special people to care for others and our communities are richer, safer, and healthier places to live because of these professionals,” Brenton added. “We hope that by sharing their stories, others will be encouraged to choose a health occupation and career.”
Employees were asked to describe what led them to choose an occupation in health, and why they decided to work in a hospital. Hundreds of health care employees submitted essays. At Langlade Memorial Hospital, five entries were scrutinized by the Hospital’s employee recognition committee, “Above and Beyond”. Phillips, who was this year’s winner, won not only her guest of honor spot at the banquet, she and her family enjoyed a one night stay at the resort. “She was very deserving”, stated Markgraf.
Carol Philipp’s Essay Follows:
Nursing, It’s Who I Am
How do you put into words something in your heart that you were called to do? Ever since I was a child growing up all I ever wanted to be was a nurse and help other people. Whenever anyone would ask what I wanted to be when I grew up, without hesitation the reply was, “I want to be a nurse.”
Thirty one years ago that dream became a reality. I can still recall my first night on the job, scared to death yet confident I could make a difference in someone’s life.
Over those 31 years I have worked in many different areas of the hospital setting. They have all been rewarding each in their own way. From holding the hand of an elderly patient as they left this world, to watching the entrance of a new born as they entered. Giving hope and comfort to those who were receiving their first or last chemotherapy and survived the odds. Comforting the ones left behind, whose loved one we so desperately tried to save after a severe accident.
Yes, there have been good times and bad times, happy times and sad times, yet I would not have traded them for any other career. It has taught me to care, share and hold onto those we love.
As I continue my life as a nurse, I can only hope I make a difference to my patients, because I know they have made a difference in my life.
If you ask would I do it all over again, without hesitation the answer is yes.
Carol Philipps, RN
Surgery Nurse
Langlade Memorial Hospital, Antigo
For Information: Jacque Krause, 715-623-9362
Employment Specialist
Langlade Memorial Hospital