Written and Submitted by: Joyce Wilder, CNM | Maternity/OBGYN
To celebrate Nurses Week, Carthage Area Hospital asked a few of their nurses to share their inspiring stories. Here’s one from Joyce Wilder, CNM:
“I knew I wanted to be a nurse when I was 5 years old. I also knew I wanted to work with moms and babies. I got married young, which delayed my high school graduation. I went back to school and graduated in 1977 with a three year old and a 1 year old. I started college that fall. I applied for the nursing program in 1978 and was denied admittance due to my young age and growing family. I had my third child in April 1979, and reapplied to the nursing program. I was accepted due to my persistence and started the nursing program that fall. I graduated with honors in 1981. I started my first nursing job on an OB unit working night shift in a small OB unit similar to CAH. I met a Swedish Midwife who opened my eyes to midwifery. I started pursuing my Bachelor’s Degree in 1985, to prepare for my midwifery education, while still working full-time. I graduated in 1990 with a BSN, and 1995 with a Certificate in Midwifery and 1996 with a MSN. I like to tell my story so that those thinking they can’t do it, know that they can. They can overcome any obstacles as long as they keep their eye on the ultimate goal. It’s an awesome profession and has many opportunities to grow. I truly love my profession as a nurse and a CNM.”