Susan Huddy, R.N., CCRN, began her career as a registered nurse at Licking Memorial Hospital (LMH) upon graduating from Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) in 1974.  She originally attended Mary Baldwin College in Virginia studying to become a medical technologist, but soon changed her career path to nursing after she toured a local hospital and saw the interaction between the nurses and patients.  She was drawn to the way that nurses immediately helped patients in need as well as the aspect of being able to interact daily with different people.  She transferred to COTC to complete her schooling with more opportunity for specialized education.

Susan began at LMH as a general nurse on 4-North.  She then transferred to 6-South, which at the time, was the psychiatric unit.  Finally, in June 1980, she settled in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and remained there for the rest of her career.  Some of Susan’s daily duties in the ICU consisted of monitoring patients, administering medication, assessing lab work, keeping the physicians up-to-date, and interacting with patients and their families.

In 35 years as a member of the ICU staff, Susan witnessed many advancements and changes.  For her, the biggest progression was the use of computerized charting of the patient’s record.  Switching from a hand-written chart in a folder to computer charting was “quite a shock,” as she recalls.  “Once we had some on-the-job training with the new computer system, it soon became easy to navigate and understand.”  Susan also recollects the advanced medical equipment during her time in the ICU.  She said, “That is one thing that still impresses me about LMH – they stay current or ahead of the latest technology, and that is inspiring to me.  I miss being able to learn about the new advancements being put into place at the Hospital.”

Susan enjoyed the great friendships she created while serving at LMH as well as interacting with patients each day.  She considered it her way of keeping updated and in touch with society.  Patient Care Manager for Critical Care Jayne Bryan describes Susan as, “Being known for staying calm in emergency situations and rarely missing a day of work.  Employees still comment on how much she is missed in the ICU.”

Since retiring in February 2015, Susan has been enjoying herself.  She traveled to Europe to visit London, Paris and Rome.  Upcoming plans include welcoming a great-great-grandniece or great-great-grandnephew in March 2016 and attending the Cabbage Patch Doll Collecting Convention in Georgia for the 24th consecutive year.