Harris Hospital Employee To Retire After 43 Years

Newport, AR (June 18, 2009) … Marie Robinson began her employment with Harris Hospital on July 15, 1966, after graduating from high school.  She was employed in the environment services department where she has continued to be a valued employee.

“The time has passed so fast, sometimes it’s hard to realize I’ve been here this long.  I’ve truly enjoyed working at the hospital; however, I’ve had to travel a lot due to my daughter’s illness as well as my mother’s state of health.  Retiring now will give me a chance to spend more of my time with them.”

Though working in environment services, Marie has assisted in the laboratory in sterilizing instruments and also assisted in setting up in surgery when needed.  She was chosen as Employee of the Quarter in 2001, worked on the Fall Prevention Committee and has been a favorite with the physicians in volunteering with the free screenings offered by the hospital.  She has always been a team player in helping with the hospital picnic and Christmas party.

At one time Marie’s hobbies included bowling and designing draperies and matching pillows.  She is a member of St. Paul’s AEM Church on Rink Road.

When asked about what she intends to do after retirement, she explained, “I’ve always wanted to be a nurse but the opportunity just never presented itself.  So I plan to go to ASU-Newport and enter the CNA program and that way I’ll get to be in the nursing field.”

Marie is very proud of her three daughters, April Miller, LPN, from Little Rock; Debra Robinson, Newport, who’s worked 18 years at Wal-Mart; and Anita Robinson, RN, Atlanta.  She stated, “I’ve been able to stay close to nursing through my daughters.”

After a diagnosis of breast cancer a couple of years ago, Marie stated, “I am so proud of the whole hospital as a team – they were all so supportive during my illness.  They are a great bunch of people to work with.”

Chip Camp, hospital CEO, stated, “All of us at the hospital will miss Marie, and I’m sure our patients will as well.  She’s been an exemplary employee, and we all wish her the best in the future.”