Monday, Jul. 26, 2010

NurseWeek Magazine recognizes Memorial Hospital staffer

Caregiver named finalist for her efforts in leading, advancing the profession

A statewide magazine has named a nurse who serves as a mentor at Los Banos' Memorial Hospital as an awards finalist.

California NurseWeek Magazine named Marsha Lovelace of Modesto as a finalist in the category of Leading and Advancing the Profession of Nursing.

Lovelace serves as a clinical resource and mentor at Memorial Hospital Los Banos.

When she was a child, Lovelace always knew she would grow up to be a nurse. Now, Lovelace has been a nurse for 34 years.

"I wouldn't change professions for anything," Lovelace said. "What I enjoy most about being a nurse is knowing that I have made a difference in people's lives."

While still in high school, Lovelace served as a nurse's aide in Newman. She later earned her bachelor's degree in nursing.

Lovelace has served in multiple units at Memorial, including the surgical unit, intensive care, neuro/trauma and imaging. She helped open the acute multi-care unit.

"Nursing is such a wonderful profession," Lovelace said. "There are so many options for specialization that provide endless opportunities for learning throughout a nurse's career."

Lovelace's other recognitions include Outstanding Woman of Stanislaus County by the Stanislaus County Commission for Women in 2000 and Memorial Medical Center Caregiver of the Season in 2002 and 2006.

The winners of the California NurseWeek Magazine's awards will be announced at an awards gala in Los Angeles on Aug. 20.

"Nursing is not just a job; it's a calling," Lovelace said. "Nurses help to heal and ease pain, and we are sometimes the eyes and ears for the physician.

"It is an honor to be there for some of the most challenging times in people's lives."