A lifetime of caring: Beloved nurse retires after 44 years of service
After more than 40 years of caring for people, Registered Nurse Ruth Driedger is hanging up her scrubs, at least full-time anyways, to enjoy a well-earned retirement. Ruth has spent over 34 of those years at Norfolk General Hospital (NGH), where she has made a significant impact on both patients and her coworkers.
Ruth’s time at NGH began in the Emergency Department, but she soon moved to Perioperative Services, where she became a key part of the surgical team. Her role was to help patients through their surgeries with kindness, skill, and dedication.
“I am so grateful for the amazing opportunities nursing has given me,” said Ruth. “It’s been an honour to care for people and their families during such a vulnerable time. I am thankful for all the people who mentored me along the way. The O.R. family is small and I will miss them all. I have shared so much with them not only personally, but professionally. That will change now, which makes me sad. I can’t say how much it has meant to work here with you all.”
Ruth started her career in British Columbia in 1980 after graduating from nursing school in Winnipeg. She worked in a medical/surgical unit and the Emergency Department before moving to Alberta, where she worked as a flight nurse, in the ICU, and again in the Emergency Department. After gaining valuable experience, Ruth decided spread her wings and move to Ontario, where she eventually found her home at NGH.
After a brief stint in NGH’s Emergency Department, Ruth transitioned to Perioperative Services, which was a big change from her previous roles. She also worked part-time in the operating room at McMaster University before becoming the Charge Nurse in Perioperative Services at NGH— a role we’re incredibly grateful she accepted.
“Nursing has changed so much in my 44 years of nursing. Sometimes I am saddened but I am still so passionate about it. I would encourage anyone interested in pursuing a career in nursing to go for it. My advice to new nurses is continue learning, take courses, go to conferences, learn from others”
Ruth’s love for nursing began before she was eight years old.
“When I was 8, I had an accident at home in southern Manitoba that put me in the hospital for a month, and I was in and out of the hospital until I was about 15. I was mesmerized by the nurses in their white uniforms, white shoes, and beautiful hats—they looked like angels to me. That’s when I knew I wanted to be a nurse. The head nurse, Miss Dubedad, was especially kind, caring, and gentle, and I’ve always tried to be like her.”
Ruth’s impact at NGH cannot be overstated. She has been a mentor to countless nurses, providing guidance, leadership, and support. Her wisdom, passion, and dedication have touched the lives of so many.
Kim Mullins, Vice-President of Clinical and Chief Nursing Executive, praised Ruth for her dedication to the hospital.
“Norfolk General Hospital and so many nurses owe so much to Ruth for her wisdom, passion, and support. She has mentored many nurses, and I know she’s been an inspiration to so many.”
“Patients have always been at the heart of Ruth’s career. We will miss her greatly at NGH, where she’s made such a difference, and we wish her a long and happy retirement.”
Now that Ruth is retiring, she’s looking forward to enjoying simple pleasures—sleeping in, going for walks, and having coffee in the morning. She feels blessed to have the support of her family and her strong faith.
“I have many fond memories of working at NGH,” Ruth said. “I’m grateful to all my coworkers in every department for their dedication. I’ll especially miss my O.R. family—they’ve been my second family.”
We will miss you too, Ruth!
Ruth’s 44 years of nursing have made a lasting mark on NGH, and although she will be missed, her influence will continue to inspire others. We wish Ruth a long and happy retirement—she truly deserves it.
Happy retirement, Ruth!
