In the heart of Jamestown Regional Medical Center, a legend in healthcare recently bid farewell after an incredible 50-year career as a nurse, with almost her entire tenure on the labor and delivery floor. Assisting in an estimated 20,000 deliveries throughout her career, Marla Wegner’s impact is not only measured in years but in the countless lives she’s touched, leaving an indelible mark on the community.
Marla was on the medical floor for the first year of her nursing career. She then moved to a pediatric floor for another year. She transferred to the nursery and maternity floor, where she remained for the duration of her career.
“I was hesitant to go work in the nursery,” says Marla. “But it turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to me. “
Passionate about the health and well-being of the babies she helps deliver and the families she cares for, Marla took on additional roles. Certified as a lifetime lactation consultant, Marla is a breastfeeding advocate and champion, with many mothers attributing their breastfeeding success to Marla’s guidance and support. For two decades, she served as a carseat technician, offering her expertise to ensure the safety of infants during travel.
Marla’s legacy also includes the roles of leader, mentor and mother figure. JRMC Family BirthPlace Manager Emily Woodley, who has worked with Marla for 23 years, emphasizes Marla’s role as a mentor, teaching essential skills such as breastfeeding support, infant care, swaddling methods, infant resuscitation and interpersonal interactions with patients.
“If we wanted to know anything about a patient, we sent Marla in,” Emily says, highlighting Marla’s communication skills and ability to build connections and trust as a caregiver.
Marla’s warm and welcoming demeanor also earned her the title of a mother figure among her colleagues, who describe her as someone who always sought to include and support everyone, fostering a sense of family within the JRMC community. Additionally, Marla’s adaptability to technological advancements over five decades inspires other providers in an ever-evolving healthcare landscape.
Empowering Legendary Care
Marla exemplifies the caliber of compassion and expert skill healthcare professionals at JRMC provide. Supporting the JRMC Foundation means championing the continuation of such legendary care in our community. Your contributions enable us to equip our care providers with the best technology, expertise and resources, ensuring that individuals like Marla can leave a lasting impact on the lives of those they serve.
More than a Career
Marla’s commitment to JRMC goes beyond her professional duties. Together with her husband Don and Jamestown Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) members, she has organized the annual Polar Pig & Chili Cook-Off for 18 years, raising nearly $300,000 for JRMC Hospice.
This year’s event took place on February 3rd. Spectators cheered as brave participants plunged into the (not-so-icy) waters to make a splash for JRMC Hospice.
“This event means so much to our team,” shares Home Health & Hospice Director Shar Trevithick. “Hospice is a topic many people don’t feel comfortable discussing and events like this allow us to raise awareness. We are so thankful that we can be present at this celebration and so fortunate to be the recipients of the funds raised during this annual community event.”
Thank you to Marla, Don, H.O.G.s, jumpers and many others for making such a big splash for JRMC Hospice.
As seen in the Spring 2024 AppleSeeds.