Her Story, Our Promise: Elizabeth Kennedy, RN, and the Women Shaping Healthcare
We’re celebrating the remarkable women who have left an indelible mark on their professions, paving the way for future generations at Memorial and beyond. Elizabeth Kennedy, a dedicated Registered Nurse in Medical Telemetry, exemplifies the essence of dedication, resilience, and empowerment in her role.
She was nominated by a colleague who shared, “She has always put others’ needs above her own. She gives back so much to her community. The leadership and dedication she has to promote and give from the heart goes without saying. Recently I have witnessed her preparing meals for an entire group of women and men who are currently volunteering to rebuild the city of Moss Point from the devastating tornado that destroyed so many homes and businesses. She has inspired me and anyone she comes in contact with to be a better person, whether it’s kindness, generosity, and determination to always give back. She is that one person who extends herself so unselfishly. She is truly an inspiration to anyone she encounters.”
A Legacy of Service
With six years of service at Memorial, Elizabeth’s journey in nursing is a testament to her unwavering commitment to patient care and continuous learning. She shares, “My average day is always a learning experience where I’m learning new interventions and/or teaching techniques. I’m always developing cultural competence that helps me to understand, interact, and effectively communicate with my patients that will ultimately facilitate a positive outcome for each patient and their family.”
Gratitude for Trailblazing Women
Reflecting on the women who joined the workforce before her, Elizabeth expresses profound gratitude and admiration for their resilience and dedication to exceptional patient care. “Working in the health profession is not an easy task and to think of the barriers that they had to overcome while giving exceptional patient care is admirable,” she says. “I am grateful that I have the opportunity to instill in others some of those lessons.”
Elizabeth’s professional journey was influenced by her mother, who instilled in her the importance of pursuing a career aligned with her talents and the value of lifelong learning. “On a professional level, I was inspired by Marguerite Jordan, my charge nurse when I was an LPN,” she shares.
Self-Care is Key
Elizabeth underscores the significant effort required for women to maintain a healthy work-life balance while juggling familial responsibilities and community engagement. She affirms, “It takes strength, effort, and focus to balance the obligations between work and your family and find time for community involvement. To do all of this, and to stay physically and mentally healthy, self-care is key!”
A Calling and Passion for Nursing
“I was asked by a patient recently how long I had been a nurse and I had to take a moment to think about it,” Elizabeth reflects. “It’s been 42 years between being an LPN and RN and I hadn’t realized it… that’s when you know it’s not just a job, that it has to be your calling or your passion!”
In conclusion, Elizabeth stands as a shining example of resilience, dedication, and empowerment in nursing and women’s history. Her unwavering commitment to patient care, lifelong learning, and personal well-being serves as an inspiration to all. Let us celebrate Elizabeth and the countless women like her who continue to shape the landscape of healthcare with their passion, perseverance, and unwavering resolve.