Aspermont native Carla English began working at Gibson Care Center as a nurse forty-two years ago. Last week, colleagues recognized her for her contributions and helped her celebrated her retirement. English served as a nurse for Stonewall Memorial Hospital District throughout her entire career and also worked on the ambulance for thirty years.
“Since I was a little girl, I always knew I wanted to be a nurse. I always knew it would be the best way for Jesus’ light to shine through me,” said English.
After graduating from high school and completing her prerequisites, she was initially accepted at Methodist Hospital (UMC) in Lubbock but was then unable to go forward with nursing school due to a defect in her spine that was discovered during the required X-rays. It turned out that she would be needed back at home at the time because of her father’s illness.
In Aspermont, English took on the duties of changing oil filters and fixing flat tires at her father’s service station while he was in and out of the hospital. Although girls weren’t often seen doing that type of work back then, the community was supportive and helped the family through a tough time.
“If I had gotten started to school in Lubbock, I probably would have had to drop out,” English explained.
After her father passed away, she was able to continue on to get her LVN license and began working at the nursing home in Aspermont. After the birth of her first child, she worked on the ambulance. Learning to be a paramedic gave her the confidence to go forward with her studies and become a registered nurse. Over the years, she has worked with several doctors. She spoke well of the current healthcare provider.
“I loved being a nurse. I’ve taken care of people I’ve known in this community all my life. It makes it hard sometimes, too,” said English.
Because she has worked in the same community throughout her life, she has often treated people she knew. According to English, she has even had to perform CPR on her husband—twice. Still, she said that she wouldn’t change anything.
She plans to continue taking nursing shifts when called upon and will be volunteering at Stonewall Living Center. While she is looking forward to continuing her service to the community in various ways, English said she is also planning to spend a lot of time spoiling her grandchildren and visiting family in Texas.
Those who worked with her said Carla was an outstanding nurse for SMHD.
Chief Operating Officer Steven Clowe described her as a model employee and an incredible asset to SMHD.
“Carla English represents all that is good about SMHD and is considered the best nurse that’s ever worked for us! As an employee, and a citizen, Carla has proven her loyalty to this community through an exceptional work ethic and commitment to serve others. She will be greatly missed,” said Clowe.
“She was an excellent nurse to my parents. She helped them several times on the ambulance and has been very kind to my family over the years,” said Carla Martin Stevens, who remembers attending school with English when they were growing up in Aspermont.
Although she’s experienced many traumatic situations in the line of duty, she said that most of her memories of working from the ambulance, and in the ER, and serving patients on the floor were happy.
To those planning to become nurses, English advised, “just be open to constant learning.”
To those planning to become nurses, Carla English advised, “just be open to constant learning.”
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