Lois Wilding, RN, will crown a nursing career spanning more than 50 years when she retires from Southcoast Health this weekend.
Known throughout the nonprofit community health system for her classic headgear — a nurse’s cap earned when she graduated from Truesdale Hospital nursing school in 1972 — the resident of Fall River will work its final shift at what is now Charlton Memorial Hospital on Saturday.
“I had a wonderful career as a nurse,” Wilding said. “God gave me good health to continue my passion for 50 years.”
Wilding worked in various units at Charlton Memorial, including medicine/surgery and pulmonology. She has been a nurse supervisor since 2007, first in the evenings and then full time. She also held positions at the Sarah S. Brayton Nursing Center and in the practice of Southcoast Health primary care provider Dr. Ronald Schwartz, as well as stints in home care and school nursing.
“Few people in any profession can say they have dedicated their entire career to one community, and for a nurse the achievement is even more impressive,” said Dr. Ray Kruger, President and CEO of management of Southcoast Health. “Southcoast is fortunate to have thousands of exceptional nurses whose skills, talent and compassion place them firmly at the top of their field, and Lois is an example of that. She will be missed, but we are grateful for her lifelong contributions and wish her all the best.
Wilding is famous among her colleagues for sharing inspiring stories and memories that are teachable moments, and she still stays in touch with many of her patients and their loved ones, said George Barth, RN, Associate Chief Nursing Officer of Southcoast Health and Site Administrator in Charlton. Memorial.
“Lois has touched the lives of many staff and patients throughout her career,” Barth said. “His mentorship and advocacy has been a major contribution to the nursing profession. Lois’ dedication to Southcoast Health will be remembered forever.
