Celebrating 30 years of passion, love and care

The staff of Houston Healthcare celebrated the retirement of their fellow coworker, Yvette Rosa, last Wednesday afternoon. After 30 years as a nurse, Rosa said it’s time to enjoy life with her family, especially her grandchildren.

“It’s hard to believe that 30 years ago, my husband and I drove down Watson Boulevard, on our way to the base, and we discovered the hospital,” said Rosa. “My husband served in the United States Air Force, and we were stationed in several states. Little did I know that this would become our home and that Houston Healthcare would become my family.”

In 1986, Rosa started in the SICU unit at the Houston Medical Center. Later in 1990, she moved to the ER and from there taught courses and trained throughout the hospital. She also helped start the residency program. Rosa ended her career as the lead charge nurse.

“It’s definitely a bittersweet time,” said Rosa. “It’s sweet because I don’t have to get up at 5 a.m. anymore and work 12 hour shifts. It’s bitter because I don’t get to put this uniform on and see my friends every day; bitter because I don’t get to hold somebody’s hand and comfort them, maybe give them pain medicine to feel better. I don’t get to be a part of the team to help bring someone back to life or hug someone after they lose a loved one. This was my calling in life, and God has truly blessed me.”

Houston Healthcare Vice President Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer Melinda Hartley said Rosa is definitely the face of Houston Healthcare.

“She has touched so many lives in this community,” said Hartley. “We have been extremely blessed to have her on our team and we are truly going to miss her. She is a friend, a mentor, a nurse. We wish her all the best in this next chapter of her life.”

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