JFK Medical Center has been a community leader of quality healthcare since 1966, which is evidenced by recognition such as a “Top 100 Hospital” in the nation by Solucient and as one of the “100 Best Companies” for working mothers by Working Mother magazine. One of the things that make JFK great is the people that work behind the scenes, the physicians, nurses, staff and volunteers.

(l to r) Julie Stewart, R.N.; Simone Santos, R.N.; Gina Melby, CEO, JFK Medical Center; Jon Walk, R.N.; Barbara Polise, R.N.

Simone Santos did not want to work at JFK when she graduated from nursing school. She considered it “her mother’s” hospital, and she wanted to spread her wings. Her mother, Julie Stewart, found a home at JFK in 1977 when she began working at the hospital, and liked it so much, she decided that it would be the place from which she would retire one day. Over the course of her 27 years, Stewart has continued her education with the assistance of JFK, received her bachelor’s degree, and is now a Case Manager. However, as much as Stewart’s daughter tried to avoid working at JFK, she couldn’t pass up a wonderful opportunity. Santos has been part of the JFK team for three years as an ICU nurse. Not only are mother and daughter working together, but now three generations of this family are part of the JFK family, as Santos children attend the JFK Medical Center Charter School.

Jon Walk remembers being a little boy when his mother, Barbara Polise, would bring him to JFK when she had to work. He used to play with the other employees children at the annual employee picnic. His mother has been a nurse at JFK for 23 years, and is now a nursing supervisor. She has often said that JFK became Walk’s second family, which enabled her to devote more of her time to her patients. Her example of excellence inspired her son to go into nursing, and Walk has been working at JFK for eight years, beginning in Transport, then moving to the Recovery Room once he got his nursing degree. And he still makes sure he makes it to the employee picnic every year!

Not only have Julie Stewart, R.N., and Barbara Polise devoted their career to JFK, they thought so much of the facility and the quality of care provided there, they raised their children with JFK as a second family. As a result, Jon Walk and Simone Santos have found their calling and a place to call home. JFK salutes their generations of families and thanks them for their devotion.