Harmon Nurse: Maria Montez

Q: How long have you been a school nurse?

A: “I have been a nurse for 42 years, with 20 years serving as a Critical Care Nurse in the hospital setting. My school nurse career began 22 years ago.”

Q: What is your favorite memory as a nurse?

A: “I have so many favorite memories as a school nurse, but I have to say it touches my heart when I run into a former student at a store or a restaurant and they remember me for helping them through a challenging or difficult time in school. There are also fond memories of attending student activities such as football, basketball, softball games, drill team shows, school dances, and homecoming parades. It is fun to see students being involved and enjoying school parades.”

Q: Tell me what you enjoyed most about nursing.
A: “The best part of my school nurse career was being able to provide a service to the students and staff, hopefully making a difference in their lives.”

Q: Why are you retiring?

A: “I am retiring for the opportunity of taking more time for my family.”

Q: Tell me the steps you took to begin your nursing career.

A: “I attended college after graduating high school. I had to take all the prerequisites for acceptance into the Bachelors of Nurse’s program at Madonna University of Michigan. At the time, a nursing career was very popular. It made getting accepted into a nursing program extremely competitive. I had to complete my freshman year of college with a 4.0 GPA to be accepted to nursing and selective hospitals.”

Q: What are your plans for after retirement?

A: “Making fond memories with my grandchildren before they grow up and have busy lives of their own.”

Q: What inspired you to become a nurse?

A: “My mother inspired me to become a nurse. She was an obstetrical nurse. I took great interest in hearing stories from her job and loved the relationships she built through nursing.”