Healthy Living Newsletter
One Half Century of Service
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| Ann Boden of Port Huron celebrated 50 years of service to Mercy Hospital in November 2007. |
A lot has occurred in the last half century: color TV was introduced. And, who can forget those 8-track tape players we all craved? Computer and electronic video technology came on the scene; and the advances in health care can only be characterized as extraordinary since the day Mercy Hospital first opened its doors in 1954.
One person has witnessed most of it. Ann Boden, Mercy Patient Registrar, celebrated her 50th Anniversary at Mercy Hospital in late November 2007. Ann can astound you with the stories she can tell.
When Ann started her career at Mercy Hospital, she earned 65 cents an hour. Ann will laugh when she explains she really started her career at Mercy Hospital 52 years ago, but quit after she was denied a 10 cent an hour raise. Fortunately, compelled by the values of the Sisters of Mercy, Ann returned and continues to be a hallmark of dedicated service.
Ann’s work at Mercy began at the age of 17, when she was employed in the hospital’s Coffee Shop serving hamburgers, hot dogs, and, of course, coffee to staff, physicians and guests.
Ann went on to work in other capacities in food services. Throughout her career, she worked in various patient care roles as well; and soon found herself working in the Emergency Room. From there she began her long-held position in the Patient Registration Department.
“Some patients you simply never forget,” says Ann. “And, I’m honored that over the years, people remember me when they come to the hospital. They often say, I remember you! You were there when my child was born or when I was an ER patient. Sometimes it’s overwhelming.
“When I started at Mercy in 1955, there were nuns on every floor in leadership positions. Their kindness and compassion to patients and staff was inspiring,” comments Ann. “In those days you often found yourself serving in many roles.”
Ann’s previous disagreement with her pay scale was quickly reversed one day in her early career.
“The hospital was having trouble handling the number of patients coming through the Emergency Room,” Ann recalls. “One Sister called me at home and asked me to come in, and I did. Even though she asked me to work in a new area (patient registration), both Sister and I realized I was the right person for the job.”
Ann can also regale you with tales of sewing surgical gloves back together and sharpening needle heads for vaccinations back in the early days of community health care.
“Today, almost everything is disposable. We’ve come a very long way and I’m proud to say I’ve seen much of it,” says Ann. “Health care is challenging. There are always new advances and new things to learn. That’s what has kept me engaged at Mercy for so many years.”
Ann also comments that the mission of the hospital has always been appealing to her. “Even when I started, Mercy was dedicated to helping those in need,” explains Ann. “I remember hobos getting off the train at 10th Street and coming to the hospital’s kitchen, where the nuns would provide them with a hot meal.” Today that tradition continues through Mercy’s commitment to caring for the poor and underserved.
For now Ann continues her work at Mercy on a part-time basis. “I decided that 45 years of full-time work was enough,” Ann says. “So, five years ago, I thought it was time to slow down a bit.” A lifelong resident of Port Huron, Ann and her husband enjoy camping and spending time with their blended family of 23 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.
“Although Mercy Hospital is proud of and celebrates a number of dedicated staff with 30 and even 40 years of service,” comments Rob Gunn, Vice President of Human Resources, “I have to say celebrating a 50th Anniversary is quite unique in any business.”
“I’ve truly enjoyed my time at Mercy Hospital,” concludes Ann. “I think I’ll stay for a few more years. It’s been a great journey, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for me at Mercy Hospital and health care.”
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