For the past 45 years, Joelle Hester has been a nurse within the Memorial Healthcare System. Her three adult children were born at Memorial hospitals, and it is the only place she’s ever worked.
“I started my career as a surgical technologist and, in 1986, became an RN and remained in the operating room as a surgical nurse; was later promoted to team leader for cardiovascular services,” said Hester. “I transferred to Memorial West as an educator, and then moved to labor and delivery. The OR was my first love but, 24 years later, I’m still enjoying my time in labor and delivery.”
Hester says she’ll work regular shifts as long as her health allows, which will no doubt be a comfort to her patients, who routinely post glowing reviews and request her when they return to give birth to another child. “I love seeing babies born and have been around long enough to help deliver the kids of my own children’s friends. Nursing is all I’ve ever wanted to do,” said Hester.
