Kitchener nurse recognised for 5 decades of service still working in ER

Getting laid off from her nursing job in the late 1990s might have been one of the best things to happen to Lois Millar.

She said the pink slip forced her to go back for training, which led her to new job opportunities including working on a cruise ship.

It's also likely the reason that at 76, she continues to work a few days a week in the emergency department at St. Mary's Hospital in Kitchener.

"That was a pinnacle for me because had I not been laid off in the late 90s when I was in my 50s, I probably wouldn't be working because I had to go back to school," she said.

"I want to tell some of these gals who get layoff notices, you know what, it may be the best thing that ever happened to you."

'Compassion and dedication'

Millar is one of six people being recognized with a legacy award from the hospital on Friday. The award is to recognize those who have "contributed in an exceptional manner" to health care.

Hospital president Don Shilton said those receiving the award"exemplify the compassion and dedication that is the legacy of the Sisters of St. Joseph, our courageous and caring founders."

Millar is receiving the award for her commitment to inspiring her colleagues and providing compassionate care.

"Obviously, I love it. I love working with younger people," Millar said when asked what keeps her in the job 14 years after she "officially" retired.

"I had some pretty good mentors when I first started, and I figure that's what I have to do now."

'They've never spoken to an older person'

Her top lesson to many new nurses and practical nurses is showing them how to communicate with patients.

"I think that's a huge issue today, they don't know how to interact with people," she said, wondering if social media and cellphones play a role in that.

"Many of them will say they've never spoken to an older person."

When she first started nursing in 1964, there was no ultrasound, no CT scans and no cardiovascular intervention.

"Doctors and nurses sort of looked and listened and diagnosed by listening," she said. "We've lost some of that, and I think that's kind of sad."

She said everyone is capable of providing comfort.

"You have to be kind to each other and you have to be kind to your patients and their families, and if that just means a warm blanket or a smile or a personal interest in them, I mean, it doesn't take very long," she said.

Former colleagues come in as patients

If there's one drawback of working so long after many have retired, she said it's that sometimes she's lonely. All the colleagues she started with 54 years ago at St. Mary's have moved on.

But sometimes those former colleagues come in as patients. When that happens, she said they're happy to see her when they need a familiar face.

Millar, who is also a holistic nutritionist, volunteers at least once a week at the YMCA as well as part of the wellness program. She said she likes that she's healthy enough to keep working and volunteering and it's just a part of her.

"If two or three days go by, and I haven't worked, I find myself getting pretty antsy. I need to go in and do that," she said.

She said she'll carry on until her body lets her down "or until somebody at work tells me I need to go now."

Five others recognized

There are five other people receiving legacy awards on Friday:

Gerald LeMoine, manager of engineering and environmental services, who is known for being friendly, calming and committed to patient care.

Maxine Neller, who started volunteering in 2002 and has served in top leadership roles with the hospital's association and is the manager of Madeleine's Gift Shop.

Dr. Mike Sehl, a second-generation St. mary's physician who has worked in the emergency department and medicine unit for 30 years. He worked in his off hours to improve the bedside rounds routine to improve patient experience and improve staff communications.

Leslie Waitson is a registered practical nurse and staff trainer known for her compassion. She has organized patient weddings for terminally ill patients and "goes above and beyond in all aspects of her work."

Rob Way who has served on the board of trustees, including as treasurer and chair.