Two Burge School of Nursing grads retire from CoxHealth after 43 years of service
Within a week, CoxHealth had the rare opportunity to celebrate the retirements of two employees who have worked here for 43 years.
Within a week, CoxHealth had the rare opportunity to celebrate the retirements of two employees who have worked here for 43 years. The two also graduated from Burge School of Nursing, now known as Cox College. We are thankful for the care Karen Hahn and Becky Fisher have provided to our patients and the southwest Missouri community. Read their stories below.
Karen Hahn
Karen started Burge School of Nursing in 1977 and went on to receive her nursing diploma, master’s degree, and worked several roles within CoxHealth and Cox College. From being a nurse in respiratory stepdown, to a teacher at Cox College, to her current role as a nurse navigator, she’s always had the opportunity to give back to those around her through her job.
“I was one of the first navigators here, and it was neat to be a part of the start of that program and build it from the ground up,” says Karen. “For the last 17 years, I’ve worked to make patients’ journeys through cancer treatment easier, whether it be coordinating care or connecting them to the support they need. Being able to help patients through a difficult time made the days worthwhile.”
We asked Karen what has kept her at CoxHealth for 40+ years, and she said it’s the people and opportunities.
“I’ve been able to work for an organization that cares for its people and have some variety in my career without leaving. And in every role I’ve had, I’ve found good people to work with along the way.”
When asked about plans for retirement, Karen says, “Anything I want,” with a grin.
Becky Fisher
When Becky submitted her letter of resignation announcing her retirement, she made sure to include: “In my veins, I have CoxHealth blue.”
“I felt like that best captured how passionate I am about my patients, my colleagues and the culture here at CoxHealth,” says Becky.
During her 43-year career at CoxHealth, Becky has served in many roles that revolved around nursing. She will retire as the nurse manager for rehab inpatient nursing, transitional care nursing, and the orthopedic care unit at Meyer Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Hospital.
“I became a nurse to make sure people were able to leave the hospital and get back to normal life. My goal as a nurse manager was to make sure my staff gave patients the sense of mind that they were here to get better and get their life back, not come to the hospital to pass away.”
Her passion for helping people was sparked during childhood in Sedalia, Missouri.
“In high school, I would volunteer at the local hospital every day. My parents knew I wanted to go to nursing school and my father went to our family care doctor and asked him where I should go. Our doctor mentioned a hospital in Springfield that had a nursing school,” says Becky.
She quickly turned that passion into action upon graduating from Burge School of Nursing and starting her first nurse position at CoxHealth. As she grew in her career, she was able to channel her desire to care for people into new and exciting opportunities as CoxHealth grew and expanded.
“Our hospital system has done an amazing job keeping up with the ever-changing medical industry while keeping that caring culture. To be really good at health care, you must balance art and science, and CoxHealth has blended those together beautifully, truly making it a wonderful place to work.”
After retirement, Becky has a lot of plans but wanted to make sure this was emphasized in the story, “My nurses love cookies and I love to bake, so be ready for some cookies!”
She also plans to volunteer in the Webster County community as a reading coach to second graders, help her church with any nursing duties and more.
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