Dedication to nursing ensures employee's long run

Newman, who has worked at South Miami Hospital for 33 years, was honored Tuesday as the hospital's longest-term employee. She was surrounded by co-workers in the hospital's cafeteria when the presentation was announced.

``The people here are so magnificent,'' she said. ``This is why I have stayed so long.''

Dr. Harry Schrier, who has worked with Newman for 15 years, considers her a part of his extended family.

``She's a wonderful lady and a very special friend,'' Schrier said. ``She's the absolute paragon of dedication and professionalism with a heart of gold.''

Newman, who received a diploma in nursing from St. Luke's Hospital in New York in 1954, began nursing at a time when laser surgery didn't exist, outpatient centers were unheard of and surgical gloves had to be washed and powdered by the doctors and nurses.

``[Medicine] has changed tremendously,'' Newman said. ``There is so much technology that it is unbelievable.''

After graduating, Newman worked for the Air Force in New Mexico as a nurse in the surgery department, then went to obstetrics. She moved to South Florida in 1962.

``I was always fascinated with the military,'' Newman said. ``It was a challenge and something different to do.''

When she began working at South Miami, she was a staff nurse in the operating room. She then became head nurse in the same department in 1976 and eventually became the coordinator for the operating room in 1981.

As a coordinator, Newman oversees the daily running of the operating room.

Newman, a Miami Beach resident, decided to enter the field of nursing because she ``always wanted to help people.''

``From the time I was a little girl, I wanted to be a nurse,'' Newman said. ``There is so much satisfaction in caring for people.''

Although Newman has undergone numerous operations herself, she has not let it slow her down. Her positive attitude is evident in her work and personal life.

``Life is what you make of it,'' Newman said. ``If you act old, you are going to wither away. I've had seven angioplasties, but that doesn't stop me. I don't let anything stop me.''

When she is not busy scheduling surgeries or comforting patients, she spends her spare time traveling, playing bridge and even engaging in a popular Miami Beach sport -- Rollerblading.

She began Rollerblading along Ocean Drive a few years ago after two other nurses who were visiting from another hospital encouraged her to try the sport.

``I thought, I've roller skated and I've ice skated, so why not try Rollerblading?'' Newman said. ``It's great exercise and I enjoy it.''

Between her traveling and Rollerblading, Newman also finds the time to indulge in her favorite pastime -- football.

``I'm a diehard Dolphin fan,'' Newman said. ``I don't miss a game. If I'm on call I have people who cover for me. I even travel to the away games.''

Although Newman has contemplated retiring, she said she wouldn't know what to do with herself if she did.

``When I reached 60 I thought I would retire, but I think I still have a lot to contribute,'' Newman said. ``As long as my health allows, I'll be at the hospital.''