Stories of Nursing
Written by Eva Jo Smith, Nurse Coordinator 5 South
Presented at the Nurses Week Celebration

I always knew I wanted to take care of people. Ten years after I graduated from high school, I realized my goal.

I was married with five children and had a degree in Medical Secretarial Science. When our youngest son was ten months old my husband had a stroke and spent many long months at Vanderbilt Hospital. During this trying time, I decided to do more with my life. I enrolled in nursing school! I was even told that I’d never make it by other nurses; “why set yourself up for failure, be happy with what you are doing”. Well, look at me now.

While I was in school I cared for my family, worked at a nursing home and we pastured a church where I played the piano and taught classes. You might say I had stretched myself pretty thin, but if you want something bad enough it can be done.

I have been an RN since 1991. I worked in neurology, orthopedic and respiratory units in Nashville. In 1994 I came to Memorial and found where I belong…medical-surgical nursing. I have spent the last 12 years on 5 South in many roles, on various shifts. Currently I am the Nursing Coordinator and I love my job. I am committed to providing the best possible care for all patients, families, physicians and associates.

God is guiding me daily in all that I do and without Him I am nothing.