During October, one NARMC team member reached a huge milestone. Shirley Baker, Supervisor-Phlebotomy, celebrated her 50-year anniversary at the hospital. When Shirley started as a part-time housekeeper in 1968, it was known as the Boone County Hospital. A few months into her job, someone convinced her to try working in the lab. She made the jump and never looked back. Shirley trained in the lab as a phlebotomist, and later became the Charge Phlebotomist, in addition to working as an EKG Assistant.
For the last 20 year, Shirley has served as a supervisor in the lab. She has seen many changes at the hospital during her tenure, including the transition to NARMC, several different locations for the lab team, changes in regulations for how samples are handled and processed, and much more. Throughout it all, she has learned, grown and helped others learn in their careers.
Shirley is planning to retire soon. Her fellow phlebotomist are not looking forward to her departure because Shirley is known for her ability to draw blood from anyone, as well as her willingness to step up to help others when they have a difficult patient to draw from. The lab team had a celebration lunch for Shirley and enjoyed hearing her many stories from her years of service.
Congratulations to Shirley on her milestone anniversary! NARMC is very proud of your accomplishment and thanks you for choosing to spend your career as part of our team.
Caption: Shirley (front left) was presented a certificate of appreciation and service pin by Sammie Cribbs, chief nursing officer; Karen Dezort, director-Laboratory Services; and Dr. Michael Clarke, pathologist.