Peggy Mcbride (right), Unit Secretary of Acute Care at VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital is pictured with Clinical Coordinator Linda Norman, RN, MSN, CNML (left) during a party hosted by her teammates.

Peggy Mcbride celebrates 40 years

When Peggy Mcbride started working at VCU Health Community Memorial, the cost of a gallon of gas was 86 cents and a gallon of milk was $1.62.

Peggy recently celebrated 40 years of service as a unit secretary for acute care, joining the hospital in 1979. Her teammates wanted to make her feel special and threw her a party recently.

“Peggy has brought with her knowledge, dedication, and hard work that’s unmatched in her support for the team,” said Clinical Coordinator Linda Norman, RN, MSN, CNML.

Linda said Peggy’s attendance has been exceptional, only calling out of work maybe two times in these 40 years.

Certainly a lot has changed in the industry after four decades, especially with computer systems replacing traditional paperwork.

“Even when the workflow has changed, Peggy has found new ways to support the team. She is truly an innovator,” Linda said.

While continuing to reminisce on how different life is today in the hospital, Peggy recalled how the emergency department in those early years just had a phone.

“A phone was there, and if you needed help, it said to call this number,” Peggy said. “The call went to the floor and a secretary would go down to the emergency department to register the patient.”

A nurse was then contacted and a doctor would be informed if further treatment was needed, she said.

While Peggy has no plans on retiring, in reflecting on her years of service, she said, “I love all of it. I like to be busy all the time.”

Peggy lives in Freeman, Virginia and has two children and two grandchildren.

A cake was prepared to celebrate Peggy Mcbride’s milestone service as a unit secretary for acute care, and reads, “Congratulations on 40 years of commitment. We appreciate you!”