July 26, 2024 – HCA Florida Raulerson Hospital is proud to announce the retirement of Frannie Tunac, a beloved and dedicated nurse who has served our community for an incredible 42 years. Frannie, who began her career at Raulerson on July 26, 1982, has been a cornerstone of our nursing staff and an inspiration to all who have had the privilege of working with her.
Frannie was just 25 years old when she joined Raulerson, bringing with her a passion for nursing that she nurtured through her education in the Philippines. She came to the United States to pursue her American dream, a dream she proudly declared fulfilled at her recent retirement party, saying, “I have fulfilled my American dream!”
Throughout her tenure, Frannie has trained hundreds, if not thousands, of nurses, earning a reputation for her exceptional skills and dedication. She has been an integral part of our Intensive Care Unit since 2010, where her expertise in starting IVs and her commitment to patient cleanliness have been unmatched. Known for her meticulous care, Frannie has often been praised by patients, even those who jokingly admit she may scrub a little too hard.
Frannie is also a recipient of the prestigious DAISY Award, recognizing her extraordinary clinical skills and compassionate care. Her contributions to our hospital and the community have left an indelible mark, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of nurses.
“We are immensely grateful for Frannie’s 42 years of unwavering dedication to Raulerson Hospital and the Okeechobee community,” said Brian Melear, Chief Executive Officer. “Her passion for nursing and her commitment to excellence have set a standard for all of us. We wish her the happiest of retirements and extend our heartfelt thanks for her decades-long commitment to caring for our town. Thank you, Frannie.”
From all of us at Raulerson, we extend our deepest gratitude and best wishes to Frannie Tunac. Your legacy will always be remembered, and you will be greatly missed.
About HCA Florida Raulerson Hospital
Serving Okeechobee County for 45 years, HCA Florida Raulerson Hospital is a 100-bed full-service acute care hospital. Specializing in emergency services, minimally-invasive surgery, hip and knee replacement, urology, gastroenterology services, mammography services and occupational, physical and speech therapy, we provide high-quality patient care to Okeechobee residents and the surrounding communities. We hold the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Primary Stroke Center Certification and Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence Award (2024-2018) Within minutes of FL-710, the hospital’s 24-hour emergency room provides specialized hospital services for adults and children of all ages.
About HCA Florida Healthcare
HCA Florida Healthcare, a part of HCA Healthcare, is a family of more than 650 affiliated sites of care, including hospitals, physician practices, freestanding emergency rooms and urgent care centers. United as a statewide network in 2022, HCA Florida Healthcare includes approximately 11,100 experienced doctors and more than 84,000 colleagues working together to deliver equitable, evidence-based collaborative care through more than 11.6 million patient encounters each year.
HCA Florida Healthcare is committed to improving more lives in more ways and giving back to the communities it serves. The network provides more than $903 million in uncompensated care and contributes nearly $2.2 million to community organizations across the state. In addition, HCA Florida Healthcare offers patients access to highly-trained specialists, including the state’s largest cardiovascular network. A strong advocate for the next generation of healthcare professionals, HCA Florida Healthcare is also a major supporter of university-based healthcare programs and residencies and fellowships throughout the Sunshine State. For more information, please visit HCAFloridaHealthcare.com.