One Aspirus nurse recently celebrated working half of a century in the same facility. Though the name of the hospital has changed, from Holy Cross Hospital to Good Samaritan, to Ascension Good Samaritan, and now to Aspirus Merrill Hospital, one employee has remained a constant: Holly Rauen.
Holly started working at the hospital in Merrill back in 1972 as a “blue girl,” today known as Environmental Services Staff (EVS).
She worked on her education while in EVS and became a nurse in 1981. She said she stayed in Merrill her whole career because of the community at the hospital.
“The patients and staff become like part of your second family,” said Rauen. “I love this community, and that’s why I’ve always stayed here.”
Holly encourages future nurses to continue with their education. She said getting her bachelor’s degree really made a difference for her.
That education and all her experience has proven invaluable as she continues to help save lives in the Aspirus Merrill Hospital Medical-Surgical Unit.
Retirement is in her near future, but she’s not sure when yet.
“Like I said, this is my second home. So, it’s going to be a tough decision,” said Rauen.