Licensed practical nurse Ramona Parker’s journey with Our Lady of Lourdes Health began when she was still in high school.
Enrolled in a career center class, she worked at Our Lady of Lourdes part time, and it didn’t take long for her to know she had found her calling.
“In my senior year of high school, I started working at Lourdes for a couple hours a day, Monday through Friday. From then, I knew I wanted to work here,” she says. Now, 45 years later, her passion for patient care is as strong as ever.
A Nurse Through and Through
Ramona started as a nurse aide, spending six years in that role before becoming a licensed practical nurse. Over the decades, she has made a significant impact on her patients, helping some through their most critical moments.
“Some of my most memorable moments were seeing patients at their sickest — some on ventilators — and getting well enough to be discharged,” she says.
For Ramona, there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing patients recover and knowing she played a part in their healing.
A Place of Healing and Unity
For Ramona, Our Lady of Lourdes is more than just a workplace. It’s a community united in service to others.
“Lourdes is special because it’s a group of people coming together for the care of others,” she says. This sense of unity and shared purpose was a constant throughout her career, and it’s what keeps her coming back day after day.
The Joy of Patient Interaction
What Ramona loves most about her work is the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of her patients and their families.
“My favorite part of my job is my interaction with patients and family, and the difference I can make in their lives,” she says. Whether it’s a big or small task, Ramona sees every opportunity to care as a blessing.
Nursing isn’t just a profession for her — it’s a passion and a calling.
Learning from Mentors
Ramona credits all her supervisors over the years with helping her grow, not just as a nurse but as a person.
“They have all taught me something, whether in words or actions,” she says. Their guidance has been invaluable to her, shaping her into the compassionate, skilled nurse she is today.
A Career Guided by Faith
Even after 45 years of service, Ramona still feels blessed to do the work she loves.
“God has truly blessed me with a fulfilling career,” she says. Her faith continues to guide her, and she sees nursing as her mission, both in her professional life and with her family.
“My family knows that I’m a nurse at all times,” she says.
