This week’s Hometown Public Servant is Emanuel Medical Center’s Med Surge Manager, Mary Radford. A graduate of Swainsboro Christian Academy, Radford enrolled at Southeastern Tech following her high school graduation, where she obtained her nurse technician license. She later enrolled and completed the LPN program at the local college before continuing her education at Oconee Fall Line Tech, where she obtained her registered nurse degree. Approximately two years ago, she accomplished yet another goal in her nursing career by obtaining her Bachelor of Science in nursing degree from South University.
Radford started low on the totem pole and worked her way up to her title as med surge manager, a capacity she has held for almost two years now.
“My predecessor, Elizabeth Way, and also Ginger Hall have both been inspirational and took me under their wings. I love nursing and was worried about taking on the management position because I was afraid that I wouldn’t be helping the patients by being a manger, but I have since found that isn’t true. I’m on the floor often with emergency situations. I also assist the staff in being sure they have the proper items, tools and knowledge to render care to our patients. Through supporting the nursing staff, I have learned that I can better serve the patients as well,” Radford stated.
In addition to managing the med surge unit at Emanuel Medical Center, she has taken on the role of providing management support to the intensive care unit (ICU) of the hospital during the maternity leave absence of a fellow co-worker. During such trying times, as EMC’s ICU has been hit really hard, Radford has aided in the department’s area and thrived from it, referring to the situation as a big learning opportunity.
“I like to see the new faces and let my face be known and make sure all nurses are aware that I’ll help in any way possible, no matter the department they work in. I’ve worked in the hospital’s OB department, ICU, ER, so, I kind of have a well-rounded knowledge to help in any department when needed. I’m here because I want to be here. I’m not here for the praise or to wear multiple hats. I just want the staff to know that there’s people here to help them, and I want the patients to know that it’s safe to come here and that the nurses will take care of them.”
Working to assist the nurses in the ICU department, Radford has seen her fair share on the frontline within the medical field during such unprecedented times.
“The hospital has been hit hard, and so has the community. We have seen a lot of very, very sick patients. We are thankful for our partnership with Augusta University as well as other local and surrounding county companies that have pulled together during such times,” Radford stated. “Administration has been very thoughtful and considerate this entire time. Numerous hospitals have taken a couple of intakes from Washington County due to the level of care that the hospital was able to provide. We’ve also accepted a patient from Evans County last week. It’s really a struggle nationwide.”
Apart from her work life, Radford considers herself to be a “home-body.” When not at work, she can be found around her family’s home spending time with the ones she loves most, her husband, Charles Radford, and their two children. High school sweethearts, Mary and Charles were married in 2003. Their children, Taylor and Trevor, are enrolled as students at Emanuel County Institute. Taylor is currently completing her senior year and has accepted an offer to attend Brewton Parker College, where she will pursue her love for softball. Trevor is currently completing his junior year at the local high school.
“We had children at a young age, and we want to be good role models for our children. While pursuing my degrees in nursing, my husband has been super supportive. While I attended school to earn my degree, he would work to provide for our family. We also have had amazing support from our family members, especially mine and Charles’ mothers,” she commented.
Apart from the family support received by the Radford family in tough times, they also have received generous support from the community, which is why Radford chose to serve in our hometown’s hospital.
“Approximately three years ago, I had to take a break from school due to my son, Trevor, being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. It was during that time that the community supported my family a lot and is the reason why I’ve stayed at Emanuel Medical Center my entire career,” Radford explained.
According to Radford, after the family was given Trevor’s diagnosis, a support dog was needed, but came with a steep price of $15,000. Through monetary donations made by members throughout the community, the local hospital, churches and businesses stepped up to the frontline and, together, raised the funds that purchased Trevor’s support dog for the family.
“I really just feel the need to support the community as it has us. I’ve worked some part-time jobs but I’ve never ventured away from my job at Emanuel Medical Center. You never know how important a community is until something happens and you need that support from the people around you. I’m staying here to support the community that has supported my family,” Radford commented.
With a kind heart for the residents of Emanuel County, Radford encourages all to take precautions during the pandemic. Having seen the effects firsthand at work and in her personal life, Radford touched base on the following:
“I’d like to urge the community to wear masks, social distance if possible, and use proper sanitation. A virus that you may have dealt with very well could be detrimental to someone else.”
