Most people spend their birthdays at home in their retirement years but not Ms. Nancy Burt. She would rather spend her birthday at work with her patients and DCH family. "Ms. Nancy" the unstoppable patient escort, turned 85 on August 7.
Balloons filled the break room. Cake and cupcakes were ready. Coworkers whispered and peeked toward the door. But the guest of honor was nowhere in sight.
"That’s just who she is," said her supervisor and friend Tammy Farmer, the Emergency Department Director of Nursing, "she's always putting others first."
Ms. Nancy's journey to DCH started when her nephew found a job listing for a sitter role at DCH. But after her interview, Carolyn Bailey quickly saw Nancy's gifts and said, “I don’t think you’re much of the sitting type. How would you like to escort patients instead?” And Carolyn was right. Ms. Nancy loves what she does.
Nancy walks six miles a day, works 10-hour shifts, and never seems to slow down. Before joining DCH at the age of 77, she worked nearly 40 years at Kmart. And like many others, she weathered the challenges of COVID while still faithfully escorting patients.
So what keeps her going when she could be relaxing at home with her dog, Tippy? She said it’s simple, "I like the hugs”
It's not only the hugs that make Ms. Nancy so special. She also gives out pennies cut in the shape of a heart, a cross, and angel wings. They are like pennies from heaven.
“God has a plan for you, Ms. Nancy. We need you here,” said Farmer. And so, with pennies in her pocket and a purpose in her heart, Nancy keeps moving.
After all, you only turn 85 once and you’re never too old for balloons.
