Nurses Bridge International Boundaries

After witnessing her sister die in childbirth, Ojih Florence of Nigeria vowed to become a nurse. Years later, her dream would come true in the United States.

Florence received her nursing degree and began working in 1994 at Ben Taub General Hospital, part of the Harris County Hospital District, as a registered nurse in the medical surgical unit.

She joins a long list of international nurses working at the hospital district.

“When I arrived in Houston, I attended school at North Harris Community College to work toward a degree in nursing,” Florence said. “Being a nurse gives me great rewards. I enjoy caring for my patients and working with people.”

More than 2,000 nurses work at Harris County Hospital District facilities, including Ben Taub General Hospital, Lyndon B. Johnson General Hospital, Quentin Mease Community Hospital, 11 Community Health Centers, the Thomas Street Clinic, and six school-based clinics. Many are United States natives – others come from South Africa, Philippines, Ireland, India, Canada, and a host of other countries.

Retaining and recruiting nurses is essential for the hospital district.

“We try to make sure our salaries are competitive and our work environment is conducive to their needs so they can create flexible work schedules,” said Barbara Reece, chief nursing officer at LBJ Hospital. “It is important for us to take the holistic approach. We have to work with our nurses to meet their personal, professional and career goals.”

Rafaela Cruz of LBJ Hospital has been taking care of patients for 31 years, 18 of those in the Philippines – her native home.

“In 1990, I resigned from the Nurse Corps in the Philippines, and in 1991, passed U.S. licensure examination for registered nurses,” Cruz said.

Currently, Cruz works as assistant nurse manager in the medical surgery department. Her decision to work at the hospital district has never wavered.

“The hospital district was my first choice when I started looking for an employer,” Cruz said. “I think it’s important for nurses to be able to work in an environment where they feel appreciated.”

For information about nursing careers with Harris County Hospital District, call (713) 566-6480.

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