(Marinette, Wis.) – Beverly J. Bertrand was inspired to be a nurse after watching compassionate nurses take care of her often hospitalized grandmother. Bertrand’s grandmother would say to her, “Some day you’ll be one of those wonderful nurses.” Today, Bertrand is a registered nurse at Bay Area Medical Center.

In an essay about her career choice Bertrand wrote, “I strive to be one of those ‘wonderful nurses’ and hope that everyone I take care of would agree.”

Bertrand joined 60 other hospital employees from across the state who were honored at the 2003 Wisconsin Health Care Employee Pride Program recognition dinner at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells.

The program, sponsored by the Wisconsin Hospital Association (WHA), is designed to celebrate the health care workforce and recognize their “truly amazing” contributions to the health of their communities, according to Wisconsin Hospital Association President Steve Brenton.

“People who work in hospitals are among Wisconsin’s most dedicated and valuable workers. 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.”

More than 60 hospitals across the state participated in the recognition program. 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. A committee at each health care facility selected the winning essay, and that person was honored at the recognition banquet in May.

The recognition program is co-sponsored by the Wisconsin Society of Healthcare Human Resources Administration, the Wisconsin Organization of Nurse Executives, and the Wisconsin Healthcare Public Relations and Marketing Society.

Beverly J. Bertrand’s Essay Follows:

The Wisconsin Health Care Employee Pride Program “We Care”

When thinking back to the moment I decided to become a nurse, memories of my grandmother flood my emotions. She suffered from Parkinson’s disease for many years and was often hospitalized. She spoke highly of “the wonderful nurses” at Marinette General Hospital, and that caused my imagination to run wild with pictures of what I might be like if I became a nurse and could help my grandma.

After graduating from high school, I told her of my desire to attend nursing school. She pushed my ego by saying, “Some day you’ll be one of those wonderful nurses at Marinette General.” Sadly, she passed away while I was in nursing school. Somehow I know she’s watched over me the past 20-plus years as I graduated from nursing school, worked at Marinette General Hospital, and now Bay Area Medical Center. I strive to be one of those “wonderful nurses” and hope that everyone I take care of would agree.