By Kathryn Dean, American Red Cross Volunteer

National Nurses Week is an annual week of recognition of the hardworking nurses in our community and runs every year from May 6 to May 12.  This year, the American Red Cross of Northern Ohio wants to recognize a local Akron nurse, Cynthia Bell, RN MSN, who has dedicated her life to the profession and continues to serve, even in retirement.

Cynthia was encouraged to start her nursing journey when she was fresh out of high school and trying to determine life’s path.  A chance encounter with an Akron City Hospital administrator at her church changed everything for her.  She was given the opportunity to attend the hospital’s nursing program for free, and she jumped at the chance. 

“I said my parents can’t afford nursing school, and he said, well decide if you want to go, we’ll take care of it.  I said, no brainer.  But did I have any idea what I was getting myself into?“ she recalled. “No clue whatsoever.”

“’You’re going to be responsible for people’s lives’,” Cynthia was told, “and I remember panicking and I was 21 years old.  But I’ve never looked back, I loved every minute of it, it was the best career choice.  It was all in God’s plan because I would never have thought about being a nurse.  It all works for the good.  And I think that’s why I stay in the community, because I know the impact that one person can have on somebody else, and somebody may be having a bad day, and you can just be there for them.” Cynthia reflected.

Cynthia eventually went on to complete her bachelor’s degree at Capital, and then her Masters in psychiatric mental health.  She spent 37 years of her 52-year nursing career at the Cleveland Veterans Administration (VA) Hospital.  “It’s the highlight of my career, I’ve enjoyed every, every minute of being a nurse at the VA,” she beamed. 

At the VA, she was the nurse manager and Assistant Chief of the Homeless Domiciliary.  “We housed 122 veterans, some with mental illness, some with substance abuse, gambling issues, and they could have a combination of those things, and we got them housed and improved their health and set up healthcare for them in the community,“ she explained.  “I just loved being the nurse manager because my nurses ended up giving great care.  You had to be innovative, and compassionate, and tolerant, and it made a difference.”

Now as a retiree, she fills her days with volunteer hours, tutoring students in Akron and working as the President of the Akron Black Nurses, an organization that conducts local health fairs and blood pressure screenings in the community.  She also serves as a Blood Donor Ambassador for the Red Cross, working about 10 blood drives a month. 

“I go to the different blood drives, and I greet and help sign in any of the donors that come in, and we often engage in playful or good conversation.  I meet so many different people.  Some have a lot in common and some that have nothing in common.  But we always end up having a good conversation.  It’s a great place to meet people,” Cynthia said.

“I really hope that people continue to see the importance and the need for donating and if they have time, in becoming an ambassador for the Red Cross.  I appreciate the opportunity to serve, and how happy I am being a volunteer.”

Be sure to thank a nurse this National Nurses Week and join me in saying a big thank you to Cynthia for her dedication to nursing and helping her community.  Consider joining other volunteers at the Northern Ohio Region of the Red Cross by clicking HERE to learn about the available opportunities.