Even after 50 years, Darlene Marks, age 71, still enjoys going to work every day at Columbus Community Hospital.
“Each day is different and unique. No two days are the same,” says Marks who has worked as an LPN on the Medical/Surgical floor since March 6, 1961. “Yes, celebrating 50 years of employment is a milestone, but to me it’s just another day, because I enjoy coming to work.”
Marks received her nursing degree from the Madison Vocational and Adult School, School of Nursing on Feb. 23, 1961. At that time, her course books cost a total of $16.40. But the cost in books hasn’t been the only change Marks has seen over the course of 50 years. A move to a new building in 1979, construction and renovations of the current building on Park Avenue, the introduction of computers, and changes in leadership.
“There have been a lot of changes and a lot of CEOs over the years,” said Marks. To date, in fact, she has been under the direction of nine and soon to be ten after the new CEO, John Russell, begins his employment at CCH this year.
“I started under the Sisters of Divine Savior, who in 1961 were in charge of the Columbus Hospital,” said Marks. “And my first day on the job will always be my most memorable. I am just so grateful and learned so much from (the nuns).”
Following the Sisters, were Dan Schilling, Ralph Thiel, Devon Barrix, Miles Meyer, Charles Smith, Leigh Morris (interim), Ed Harding, and Allan Atkinson, who is currently serving as the interim CEO.
To this day, Marks still lives by the policies instilled in her by the Sisters 50 years ago. “If we do our job right, we will do unto others as we would want them to do unto us. It’s just as simple as that,” Marks said. “I’ve lived by that every day.”
Dan Nelson, CCH Director of Inpatient Services said Marks, who is fastidious about details, is always on time ready to work. “Darlene cares deeply about patients and wants them to receive the best quality care. She has been a person other staff enjoy working with and can count on. Her knowledge and attentiveness to patients is a valuable asset for CCH. Having her on staff assists us in orientating new staff of the importance of the personal attention we give to each and every patient.”
Through the years Marks has served on a variety of committees, including the CCH annual Walk in the Park for the past 20 years and the hospital’s 100th anniversary committee in 2007, when she served as honorary co-chair of the event.
“Darlene is very patient-centered and conscientious about the care she delivers. She is looked to as a resource due to her years of experience here,” said Peg Haggerty, CCH Vice President of Patient Care Services.
“It doesn’t seem like she’s been here 50 years,” says Marks’ husband, John, who is a member of the Volunteers of Columbus Community Hospital. “When she first started (at CCH), she didn’t drive, so I would take her to work and pick her up when her shift was done. Sometimes she would walk if the weather was good. She enjoys what she does, and she doesn’t really want to leave, but she knows that she will have to retire eventually.”
Marks says when she retires, she will miss her co-workers the most. She encourages them to continue to work hard, work together, continue teamwork, and follow the hospital’s employee values.
“I am very fortunate to have good health and be able to continue to do what I do. I am fortunate to have family support and the support of my coworkers. We have a wonderful hospital and we work as a team.”
Of the 270 employees at CCH, the average number of years an employee remains on staff in the Medical/Surgical Department is just over 14 years. To date, Marks is the first to celebrate 50 years of employment. But she may not be the last, as several other employees at CCH are approaching the 50 year mark as well.
“In today’s workforce, being employed at any job 50 years is a monumental accomplishment. We thank Darlene for her support and commitment to not only our patients, but the family of employees here at CCH,” said Ann Roundy, CCH Vice President of Employee Services.
