Lavina Steffen 2016
Lavina Steffen’s journey at St. Francis Memorial Hospital began December 2, 1963, and formally came to an end on December 2, 2013. Your math is correct, that is 50 years to the day! Lavina says “that’s when I decided to retire” but many would say she continues to have a strong impact on Wimmer Rehabilitation and Wellness Center! Lavina is honored on the Wall of Fame for her hard work in years of employment and overall dedication to service.
Lavina started her working career as a nursing aide in 1963. She remained on the patient floor for five years, before other departments started vying for her help. In her 50 years of employment at St. Francis, she worked within Radiology, Cardiology, Pharmacy, Obstetrics, and Rehabilitation. Across the various departments, Lavina specifically enjoyed “working with patients, taking care of them, and getting them back home again.” While working in the rehabilitation department, Lavina learned that the journey can be long and difficult at times. Her advice to current and future rehabilitation patients is to “keep up and follow the exercises given” and also “make sure you prove yourself in therapy”. Throughout her time at St. Francis, Lavina saw many things change and update! For example, within the rehabilitation department, she mentioned: “it has really expanded; we used to be in one small room down the hall.” She would advise other staff members to “do good work, make sure you listen, stay positive, and bring your patience to work every day!” Lavina also said that things have a tendency to “get scattered sometimes”. To this, Lavina will always continue to say “we’ll get it done, just relax, we’ll get it done!”
Lavina has continued to come to St. Francis since her retirement, three times a week for use of the Wellness Center. She states wellness is important because it “keeps your body and your mind right”. With wellness, “I want to keep doing things I want, like going to my family’s games and activities, so my mind and body have to be able to keep up!” Lavina credits her health to her habits and routines with exercise. St. Francis Memorial Hospital, as well as Wimmer Rehabilitation and Wellness Center, thank Lavina Steffen for her dedication, service, and wisdom.
