News : CNA Carol Salger becomes first to reach half-century milestone at VGH

Resident Franny Porter gives Carol Salger a hug & kiss after learning she received a 50-year honor.

Carol Salger, pictured with resident Franny Porter, is first VGH employee to mark 50th year there.

Carol Salger had just been laid off from her job at the Wilson meat packing plant in Cedar Rapids.

Virginia Gay Hospital was dealing with the Asian flu and needed more nurses' aides, ASAP.

Salger walked into the hospital for an interview with then-administrator George Garwood.

It was January 17, 1960.

"He hired me to start the next day," recalled Salger on Friday, the morning after receiving a 50-year pin and other gifts during the hospital's annual employee appreciation dinner.

Those first days at VGH were "a very busy time," recalled Salger.

Salger is the only one of the 229 Virginia Gay Hospital employees to work there 50 years, said administrator Mike Riege. Riege is almost certain she is the only 50-year employee in the history of the hospital.

While she clearly remembers her start date, Salger said it never occured to her that she had passed the 50-year milestone until the hospital staff told her she would receive the honor.

After beginning in the hospital area, Salger eventually was transferred to the Nursing and Rehab area. She now works part-time.

"I miss her when she is gone," said resident Franny Porter, who gave Salger a big hug and a kiss on the cheek when she learned about her milestone.

Salger said she didn't plan to stay 50 years when she first began working.

"But I really liked it," she said, adding that the people are what she likes most about her job.

The technology that makes patient care easier for the providers is the biggest change in the past 50 years, said Salger.

"We did just about everything the hard way back then," she recalls.

"Carol is very compassionate and caring," said Jess Birker, the nurse manager at the VGH Nursing and Rehab Center. "It's been a privilege to work with her all these years."