Patricia Crowell was recently honored for her 50 years of service as a nurse at Kent Hospital. She is the first Kent Hospital employee to earn this distinction. Crowell graduated from the Newport Hospital School of Nursing in 1954, and joined Kent Hospital in 1961 as a staff nurse on the evening shift. She began working in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit when it was opened, and in 1972 was promoted to assistant head nurse. In 2009, Crowell became the ICU clinical coordinator.
PBN: What drew you to a career in nursing, and what aspects of it kept you there for the past 50 years?
CROWELL: In the 1950s, there were not as many opportunities for young girls. Nursing seemed interesting to me and I have never regretted it since. Over the years there have been many changes, and because of my nature of always looking ahead for something new, this was a plus for me. I have met many people over the past years who I have enjoyed working with and have considered them my friends.
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PBN: What are some of the changes you’ve seen in nursing?
CROWELL: There have been many changes in all forms of nursing, from medications to procedures, policies and equipment. One of the biggest changes has come in the use of computers and technology. Despite the passage of years and changes and advances in medicine, one thing that does not change is the dedication and commitment to help others. We see many sick people in the Intensive Care Unit but thanks to the caring, compassionate and dedicated staff caring for these patients we get the opportunity to see many people get well and go about living their lives. That never gets old and is extremely rewarding.
PBN: Is there any advice you can give to those who are just entering or are still fairly new to the nursing profession?
CROWELL: Nursing can be very challenging but it is rewarding. It is essential you enjoy what you do. Certainly, over the years, the face of health care has changed considerably but we still need great nurses who are willing to work hard constantly bettering themselves from a continuing education perspective and committing themselves to their patients with the goal of helping them get well. These are all things that at the end of the day, and in my case after 50 years on the job, can still provide great reward and personal satisfaction. •
