Laurie W. Ross, MSN, MHA, BSN, RN, served in the United States Navy for 26 years. Today, she is the vice president of nursing at Bon Secours Southampton Medical Center.
“To me, Veterans Day is a day I remember all the men and women who have fought and continue to fight for the great freedoms we enjoy and take for granted every day. Many have made the absolute sacrifice for freedom, and it is those who make me truly proud to be a veteran and American.”
While with the United States Navy, Laurie was a commissioned staff officer and Navy Nurse Corps officer, serving in numerous clinical as well as leadership roles.
“The ability to serve my country as a naval officer and be a Navy Nurse Corp officer was the best of both worlds,” she shares. “The Navy taught me how to be clinically competent as a professional nurse while serving as a confident leader. It taught me how to be a nurse anywhere and do what I needed to do with what was available. And finally, it taught me to lead by example and always remember your people are your greatest asset.”
Today, as vice president of nursing in a rural community hospital, Laurie is responsible for the delivery of nursing care to the patients and families who enter our facility.
“I serve as part of the executive team at the hospital where I help lead, evaluate and direct nursing staff and services. I am involved in strategic planning, the provision of care and I ensure that the goals and objectives of nursing support the mission of our ministry,” she shares.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Laurie has been able to draw on her naval experience to help her provide the best leadership possible.
“In the service you learn quickly how to adapt to any situation, complete the mission regardless of lack of supplies or personnel, and always lead your troops by standing by them and showing them not to be afraid in the face of danger,” Laurie shares. “With COVID-19, I was able to reflect on my training and use many of the tactics learned from my past.”
With her role at Bon Secours, Laurie has found many similarities to the culture she loved while serving in the U.S. Navy.
“My military core values of honor, courage and commitment are displayed daily in the ministry work of Bon Secours nursing and patient care delivery,” she shares. “I have been in nursing 44 years – I loved it on my first day and I still love it to this day.”
And finally, Laurie would like to leave everyone with her two important takeaways from her time serving our country.
“First: Always take care of your team and they will take care of you. Second: Respect and trust is earned.”
Thank you to Laurie as well as all our other veteran team members for your service to our country. Read more stories about our veteran team members and patients.
Also, learn more about the health care services we offer at Bon Secours.
