Baptist Salutes a Century of Nursing Care
During National Nurses Week May 11 - 17

Contact: Robby Channell, 601-968-5135 rchannell@mbhs.org

Jackson, Miss. – May 9, 2008 - Baptist Health Systems is a story of people working together with complete unity of purpose to bring quality medical care to our community. It’s a history of doctors, nurses, medical technologists, respiratory therapists, food and nutrition services, housekeeping staff, administrators, trustees and other employees who, for almost a century, have demonstrated a dedication far beyond the call of duty in providing relief from illness and pain. It’s the story of Baptist Medical Center.

It all started in 1908 when Harley Shands, MD, and John Hunter, MD, bought a house on the southeast corner of North State and Manship streets. They quickly transformed the eight-room residence into a small but well-equipped hospital. In 1910, they hired as their head nurse Sallie Stamps. History reports Stamps endeared herself to everyone.

Running Jackson’s first hospital limited the doctors’ ability to serves patients. So, by 1910, the small hospital was offered to the Baptists. In January 1911, Baptists took over the operation of the hospital, and it became known as Mississippi Baptist Hospital. Those in charge showed good judgment in retaining Stamps as the director of nurses. By 1912, one of the first nursing schools in Mississippi was formed and called Mississippi Baptist Hospital School of Nursing. In 1954, the school’s name was changed to Gilfoy School of Nursing in honor of former bookkeeper and assistant superintendent Karenza Gilfoy.

Even though Baptist’s foundation is made up of many health care professionals, nurses are a vital pillar in patient care. Of the approximately 3,000 employees of Baptist, 826 are registered nurses. Sixty-five of these nurses have worked at Baptist for 25 or more years. There are also 73 Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) at Baptist.

Ella Jackson, RN is a case manager and has worked for Baptist since 1973. She started her career working in the pediatric unit in the old hospital.

“I took care of very sick children,” Jackson added. “Back then, you could have four sick children and their moms in one ward. When we moved to the new hospital, each could have a private room with bath. I have many fond memories of the old hospital. Everybody kind of knew everybody, and it was like a huge family. And, the caring spirit still exists today. We maintained it because individual employees are maintaining it. It will continue to be present globally across the hospital as each employee understands Christian Concern In Action.”

With Baptist being almost 100 years old, there are hundreds of stories to demonstrate its tradition of caring, as Registered Nurse Patsy Adams explained.

“My family has used Baptist services several times over the years. But the true test came several years ago when my mother was diagnosed with a terminal illness,” Adams added. “She was treated at Baptist. We used several areas of the hospital – the emergency room, outpatient surgery, inpatient care, the cancer center – the care was excellent. The doctors and nurses showed such compassion for my mom and me. My sisters and I felt she could not have gotten this type of care anywhere else. I will forever be grateful to Baptist for her excellent care.”

“With this being my only place of employment, I feel a sense of belonging. It’s like a second family,” said Kathy Woodard Daniels, a Baptist registered nurse of 22 years.”

Daniels was 13 years old when her mother enrolled in nursing school. Her mom, at the age of 43, started nursing school and was the oldest in the class. Daniels recalls her mom’s struggle as a student, but her instructors saw something good and encouraged her mom to stick with it.

“I told my mom if she became a nurse I would go to school to become a nurse,” Daniels said. “She received her LPN and is now retired. By becoming a nurse, it has provided me with the best opportunity to go out and help others, especially those who are unable to help themselves.”

Baptist, whose total mission is dedicated to the Christian healing ministry of the sick, is an historic landmark to this community. A caring spirit and a constant vision are at the heart of this heritage. In 2008, Baptist will open a new tower on its west side dedicated to cardiovascular and women’s services.

“This month, I will have been a registered nurse for 25 years,” exclaimed Tina Magers, Baptist’s education coordinator. I appreciate the employees at Baptist remembering the number one reason for us being here is the patient.”

As Magers reflected on Baptist’s century of caring, she added. “It’s hard to imagine the kind of health care we will be delivering in another 100 years. The physicians who started our hospital, I’m sure, could not fathom the buildings and services we provide today. The key will be to keep our eye on our mission and vision to guide us through the next 100 years.”

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