What is the longest amount of time you’ve spent in one job? A year? 10 years? 20 or more? At Valley, we are fortunate to have dozens of staff members who have spent decades caring for our community. Among the long-tenured employees, there is an elite group who have worked at Valley for more than 40 years! We reached out to the 40+ group to ask about their time at Valley, how the organization has changed, and what advice they have for new employees to the team.
In their reflections, memories of less digital times were shared. When medical records were handwritten rather than electronic, and when there were no e-mails, cell phones, or Teams meetings. There were recollections of staff celebrations, bunking at the hospital during snowstorms, working in different roles and departments, and process changes as technologies and policies evolved. And there were surprising stories involving things that today most wouldn’t believe used to be a normal sight at the hospital, like cigarette machines and a well-known fast food restaurant. While the memories shared varied, one constant theme emerged—the staff, patients, and community that make Valley, Valley, are why people stay here for their careers.
“This has been my favorite job in my life with Valley. I love my co-workers and our patients. Cancer patients have always been my favorite, as 99% of them are the nicest people you will ever meet.”
– Lynn Johnson, Patient Access Associate, Radiation Oncology, 43 years
“I appreciate all the friends I have made over the years.”
– Ivy Balogh, Cook, Culinary & Nutrition Services, 40 years
“I think that new hires should know that this is a great place to work. We have grown to a huge campus and are here to help the people that need us. Come to work, do your job with compassion, and make a difference in the community…the last few years have been tough on all of us, but we made it through, and you are a testament to the quality of care and compassion we have.”
– Eileen Mayer, Mailroom Clerk, 47 years
“I have learned so much working on different units with a lot of people from this area and a lot of people from all over the world. I have had a mom, dad, mother-in-law, and father-in-law that have been patients at Valley at some point. All the employees of the hospital have been so caring, respectful, and compassionate to my family members, which means more than you can imagine.”
– Brenda Doss, Unit Secretary, NICU, 44 years
“Working in the CCU for all these years, I have better appreciated how precious life is. How quickly our kids grow. The importance of memories made. I see the families at the bedside of someone dying. I sadly see people dying alone. My words of wisdom to new staff are, to always put your families first and take care of yourself. That makes a good nurse.”
-Mary Driscoll, RN, CCU, 42 years
“So many families and stories! Tiny babies that have had incredible journeys. (My advice to new hires is) spend as much time as you are able watching the different skills of other labor nurses. I am always learning! Things change. Be willing to accept that things are always changing and hopefully improving.”
Andriette Hall, RN, Birth Center, 40 years
“I truly enjoy talking with my patients and their families, trying to help them achieve strong healthcare outcomes and a positive experience while in the hospital. My favorite stories are too numerous to share, but I have worked with so many wonderful staff and volunteers here at Valley through the years who are exceptionally good, caring people. It has been a privilege to do so and to be part of this team at Valley!”
– Janet Lewis, RN, Joint & Spine Center, 42 years
We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the employees who have worked at Valley for 40 years or more. Thank you for your service and for caring for our community like family!
- Ivy Balogh, Culinary & Nutrition Services
- Eumelia Belen, RN, Surgery
- Karen Doherty, Distribution
- Brenda Doss, NICU
- Mary Driscoll, RN, CCU
- Andriette Hall, RN, Birth Center
- Deborah Halseth, Case Management
- Diann Hopkins, Hospital Pharmacy
- Lynn Johnson, Radiation Oncology
- Janet Lewis, RN, Joint & Spine Center
- Irene Manweiler, Perioperative Support Services
- Eileen Mayer, Distribution
- Stephanie Propst, LPN, Pediatrics & Mother-Baby
- Gayleen Racey, Security
- Todd Steen, Supply Chain
- Patricia Yonemura, RN, PACU
Top photo: Mel Belen, RN, and Janet Lewis, RN, were recognized during the 75th anniversary celebration in 2022.
