McAllen, Texas

Independent School District

Local

Offering Nursing for Special Education Students

Kindergarten through 12th Grade and Special Education in a Nurturing and Challenging Environment for Students

American Journal of Nursing; The Inspirational Leader

Playing Tennis, Gardening, Swimming

Master's Degree in Education Supervision, University of Texas-Pan American (1986); Bachelor of Science in Nursing, St. Louis University, Missouri (1961); Diploma in Nursing, St. Joseph's Hospital (1952)

Good Samaritan Award, City of Hometown Mission, Texas (1997); Texas Nurses Association; Texas Classroom Teachers Association; American Nurses Association; National Association of School Nurses

Mission, Texas

Special Education

USA

11/28/2007

A total of 54 years nursing in various capacities. While in the hospital (for 32 years), my main expertise was in operating room and emergency room nursing.

My latest achievement came in May, 2006 at our final nurses meeting for the year when I was awarded the coveted Florence Nightingale Award by my nursing department. Never before had this been done. I am so proud of this award. I have enjoyed every minute of my nursing career.

Ms. Walsh was born at a time when they had hospital nursing schools that awarded three year nursing diplomas. She had hands-on experience and worked in the hospital while taking courses. Diploma schools are very intense with short vacation breaks in between. They had excellent doctors, teachers and nurse supervisors who supervised and trained as well. For her, personally, she love my work very much and she has given it all she has. The more you put into your career, the more it will give back to you. She's in a highly specialized field, special education, severe and profound students, and she is the only staff nurse in this capacity and have been for 22+ years.

Ms. Walsh's greatest career achievement was being the recipient of the 'Good Samaritan Award.' She received the award from the city of Mission. Her nursing career was a great part of this as well. She has been able to help and care for special need children and their families, and she has made a change in their lives. She thanks God for that. The greatest, however, is being selected for Professional of the Year in the Field of Special Education by Cambridge Who's Who. My, she was honored and it's a blessing.

Ms. Walsh's nursing career began in 1952 when she graduated from St. Joseph's Hospital in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The Sisters of Mercy operated and owned the hospital and the Diploma (three year) School of Nursing. She was hired immediately to work with the Sisters of Mercy in their hospital in Brownsville, Texas where she started her OR experience after working there for about 1 1/2 years. She went closer to home to McAllen Hospital where she was until 1955. She left there to enter the Religious Order of the Sisters of Mercy- St. Louis. She was there 10 years and was ready for final vows but due to a chronic illness she contracted, she could not stay. This was in 1965 when she had to return home. She lived with her elderly parents and she was able to help care for them until they died. God opened another door for her when the administrator of our New Mission Hospital as he needed a surgical nurse supervisor. Another great honor had been given to her previously at this Mission Hospital as she helped open and direct the original opening of this surgery department before she left to enter the convent. This event was the greatest experience she ever had or was given. She always let God direct her life and he had never let her down. At six years of age she knew she wanted to be a nurse to help people. A nun supervisor told her once, 'Loretta, never refuse God anything.' She hadn't, and God blessed her for it. All nurses could live by this as well. Her life may not have turned out the way she wanted it to, but it was what God wanted for her and she's happy.

St. Paul's Catholic Church, Mission Work with Eucharistic Ministers

Public Speaking to Nurses on In-Services