Nurse Celebrates 50 Years On The Job: 'It's A Calling'

DENVER (CBS4)- A local woman is celebrating an amazing 50 years as a bedside nurse. Pat Walsh works at Parker Adventist Hospital and says nursing hasn't been just a career, but rather, a calling.

Walsh, 70, graduated from nursing school in her home state of New Jersey back in 1965. Since then, she's had eight different nursing jobs, working everything from oncology to labor and delivery.

"I even had the chance to deliver a couple of babies by myself," said Walsh.

No matter the place, Walsh has always worked bedside.

"A nun, Sister Nancy Crafton down in Pueblo, she taught me it's more than a job, it's a calling."

At Parker Adventist, Walsh is always professional and always pleasant. She fills a hospital stay with hope. She has cared for Darrel Dine all three times he's been admitted to Parker Adventist.

"She tells me she prays for me," said Dine. "You look at her, you know she does."

Ask Walsh about her five decades in nursing and she answers with the question "Where did the time go?"

These days, Walsh finally hears the call to retire.

"I will miss it, but it's time," she said.

Still, she gets emotional when she talks about it with her co-workers at Parker Adventist.

"We're a team, we're a family and always stay that way even after I go. You're family and I don't live far away so I'll come back with the banana bread and zucchini bread," she said choking back tears.

And she'll bring her hugs. Walsh is known for embracing both colleagues and patients. After five decades of dedication, she plans to retire in December.

"Fifty years at the bedside is unheard of," said Jennette Burgstrom, director of acute care services at Parker Adventist.

Walsh will leave perceived as a legend. She'll be remembered as the nurse who never tired of taking care of others.

Kathy Walsh is CBS4's Weekend Anchor and Health Specialist. She has been with CBS4 for more than 30 years. She is always open to story ideas. Follow Kathy on Twitter @WalshCBS4.