Newport Medical Center Employee Celebrates 52 Years of Service
10/17/2024
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October 10 marked a significant milestone for Joyce Bell, who is celebrating 52 years of dedicated service at Newport Medical Center. Starting in 1972 on the very first day the Convalescent Center opened, Joyce's journey in healthcare has been nothing short of remarkable.
Initially hired as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) while she was a junior in high school, Joyce worked at the Convalescent Center for three months before transitioning to Newport Medical Center, where she began working evening shifts. Viola Seay, her boss at the time, and coworker Diane Hearst were instrumental in shaping her early career.
In the early 1990s, Joyce made a pivotal move into Newport Medical Center’s supply chain department, a role she has excelled in ever since. During her time in this department, she built lasting relationships with her colleagues, including the late David Taylor, who passed in his 50s, and current teammates Candy Lamb, Carolynne Honeycutt, and Anthony King. Joyce speaks fondly of them, considering them a part of her “little family.”
Over the past 52 years, Joyce has shown incredible perseverance and dedication, balancing work with raising her grandchildren, Hollie and Austin Gilliand, whom she lovingly refers to as "Nana." Now a proud great-grandmother, she enjoys spending time with her great-grandchild, visiting flea markets, dining out, and reminiscing on cherished moments watching her grandchildren grow. Despite the decades, Joyce remains in awe of how quickly time has passed. "I’m in shock that it’s been 52 years, but I’ve loved every second," she shares, reflecting on her love for her work and the Newport Medical Center community. Staying busy and contributing to her team has been a source of joy and purpose for her throughout her career.
Joyce's dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed. In 2017, she was awarded Employee of the Year award, a testament to her commitment to the hospital and her positive impact on both patients and colleagues. As she celebrates this extraordinary milestone, Joyce’s journey is a statement to the power of hard work, loyalty, and the strong sense of community that has kept her at Newport Medical Center for over five decades.
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