MMSC’s Mary Bartine, RN: One of Iowa’s Great Nurses
Posted on 12/29/2008

We have all met at least one outstanding nurse whose courage, competence and commitment to patients and the nursing profession stands out above all others. May 4, 2008 will mark the 4th annual celebration of Iowa’s Great Nurses, and MMSC is proud to announce that Mary Bartine, RN has been chosen as one of Iowa’s Great Nurses.

Mary Bartine, who has been a registered nurse for 51 years, graduated from Iowa City’s Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in 1956. She became a night house supervisor at MMSC in the early 1970s and is still working in that position 36 years later. Mary is 72 years old and has no immediate plans to retire.

Mary was a career woman when it wasn’t the popular choice. Her pride in her profession and her strong desire to care for others kept her working at times when it was difficult to balance her work and family life.

“A huge part of my identity is as an RN,” says Mary. “I’m proud to be a registered nurse.”

In her supervisory role, Mary helps her staff realize their goals and mentors them through personal and professional challenges. She has served as secretary and chairperson of MMSC’s Shared Governance Leadership Council and currently is an active member of the hospital’s Safety Committee, Emergency Preparedness Committee and the Trauma
Committee.

“St. Mary - as she is known to us - has been a strong force and asset at MMSC as long as I can remember,” said La Rae Schelling, Chief Operating Officer/Chief Nursing Officer at MMSC. “I have worked under her leadership, beside her as a peer, and now as her supervisor. No matter the role, Mary’s approach with others is always as a strong leader, an excellent nurse, a knowledgeable resource, and a kind and caring individual. She is highly respected by hospital staff, medical staff, by her peers and by the administrative team. The entire organization is celebrating this honor with her, as well as the thousands of patients and families she has come in contact with over the years. Mary is in her 49th year at MMSC. She is a shining example for all nurses and a true inspiration to all who know her.” Schelling concluded.

As a role model Mary never forgets that being a nurse does not mean that you are above answering a call bell or taking a patient to the restroom. She never sees herself as above or better than the people around her; every member of the health care team is important and is treated with respect and grace. Mary has a soft voice and manner, but make no mistake, she is a powerhouse when advocating for her patients and fellow nurses.  As a great nurse Mary has changed the dynamic and environment of our hospital and those around her for the better.

When asked why she keeps on nursing at her age, her response is, “I continue to receive personal gratification by caring for patients and supporting my fellow nurses.” Professionalism, good work ethic, good attitude, ability to deal with pressure and an easy smile is an accurate description of Mary. Those who know and work with Mary believe that she is the epitome of a great nurse.

The 2008 honorees will gather in Des Moines with their family, friends and colleagues, as well as past years’ recipients, to be recognized for their outstanding careers and achievements.  The 100 Great Iowa Nurses program was formed to heighten the visibility of nurses within the state by recognizing their excellence and promoting their stories of compassion in nursing practice. The program was modeled after a program created in Louisiana in 1986 that has since been adopted by nursing organizations around the country. www.greatnurses.org