February 2022
Frances
White
,
MSN, RN, NE-BC
6 Central
Lahey Hospital & Medical Center
Burlington
,
MA
United States

 

 

 

Fran's grace, empathy, and selflessness are unmatched. She has shown us how to be patient and strong in difficult times.
There are no words or awards to properly express our gratitude for Fran’s 36 years here at Lahey. Fran, we know you don’t love the spotlight, but we had to thank you for your unwavering dedication, not only to our staff but to the entire nursing profession. Fran is a true leader by example. There is not a day that passes that she is not at the bedside, helping us walk patients, tidy up the floor, bathe patients, and assisting us with any task we need help with. We often tell her we do not need her help for things like transferring a patient and her response is “I know you can do it, but I am staying here to help regardless of what you say”. Her grace, empathy, and selflessness are unmatched. She has shown us how to be patient and strong in difficult times. She has been our biggest advocate and supporter. But, above all else, she has been our fearless leader who cares deeply about each of us on a personal level. If you know anyone on 6 Central, you know how much we admire her. Staff from other disciplines and other areas talk about how helpful she is and how lucky we are to have her. We could write endlessly about the ways she has touched our lives and those around us. She has positively impacted the lives of staff and patients alike. No one is more deserving of this award or retirement than Fran. She has given so much of her life to us, and it is time for her to enjoy making herself a priority. Her one wish was for our happiness and for us to carry on strongly without her. While things will not be the same, I have no doubt that we will make her proud and continue to take care of one another. The best advice we ever received was from Nina Cote, and it is something we will always remember. “When I am in a tough situation, I think ‘WWFWD…what would Fran White do?’ and the answer always comes to me”. We love you, Fran! Congratulations!