Alumna Thanks St. Luke’s School of Nursing for Rewarding Career

Ruth Ann Nafus’ mother didn’t pursue her dream of becoming a nurse. That unfulfilled aspiration was both an inspiration and motivation for Ruth to enroll at St. Luke’s School of Nursing immediately following her graduation from Northampton High School.

Even though it was her first time living away from home, Ruth didn’t mind. “We had weekends off that first year, and that was enough time at home for me,” shares Ruth. She remembers receiving comprehensive training including rotations in the behavioral health unit, dietary services, medical/surgical floors, pediatrics and obstetrics.

In 1959, Ruth joined the United States Army Nurse Corps and spent her third year at St. Luke’s School of Nursing as a Private in the army. Ruth graduated in 1960 and the following January she served in Augusta, Georgia, at Fort Gordon as a Second Lieutenant. Shortly thereafter, Ruth was stationed in San Antonio, Texas, at Fort Sam. Ruth met Howard (Hank), a career soldier in the United States Army, while a student at St. Luke’s.

Hank and Ruth got married and when Ruth became pregnant, they relocated back to Ruth’s hometown of Northampton, where they built a family and a life for 48 years. Ruth worked on and off over the years, first at Northampton Osteopathic Hospital and later at Gracedale Nursing Home, taking private duty shifts in between. In addition to the patient interaction, Ruth enjoyed the flexibility a career in nursing provided. “Nursing is reliable,” says Ruth. “We are always needed…full-time, part-time, weekends, nights, per diem…it suited me well.”

Since retiring in 1992, Ruth remained active serving as president of the Lioness Club and the Friendly Fifties, as well as traveling with Hank, who passed away in 2010. Ruth recently sold her house after 59 years and continues to travel with her daughters.

St. Luke’s School of Nursing is the oldest continuously operating nursing school in the U.S. and Ruth wants to be sure that continues, which is why she included St. Luke’s in her estate plan.

“I want to share my blessings,” says Ruth. “We received a superior education at St. Luke’s, and I believe all alumni should give back.”