After 27 years as director at the Western Regional School of Nursing, Linda Norman-Robbins is retiring.
Norman-Robbins was on hand at Western Memorial Regional Hospital on Friday for the graduation and awards ceremony for the Bachelor of Nursing (Collaborative) Program’s fast-track option.
Those in attendance rose and gave the Botwood native a standing ovation when her retirement was announced at the end of the ceremony.
Now at the end of her nursing career, she admitted to feeling envious as she glanced at the young, eager graduates she’s helped send into the workforce.
“I’d by lying if I didn’t say I wish I was starting over again,” Norman-Robbins said. “You can’t help but think nursing education and the health care system is in really good hands when you look around and see these wonderful young people coming forward.”
Norman-Robbins was hired in 1987 with the mandate to prepare nursing education on the west coast for the eventual move to a baccalaureate degree program.
Prior to this, she earned her nursing diploma before doing post-basic diploma studies in neuroscience.
She met her husband, Neil, while working in Montreal and the couple eventually settled in Corner Brook, where they raised their family.
Today, she says Neil, a Montreal native, is more of a Newfoundlander and Corner Brooker than she is.
“He loves it and we have no plans to go anywhere.”
During her time at the nursing school, Norman-Robbins oversaw the transition from a diploma program to the current Bachelor of Nursing programs available at the school. She also helped establish a research office at the school and has been credited with obtaining funding and grants, as well as helping implement modern technology into the program through such measures as smart boards, simulation mannequins and the use of social media.
After nearly three decades at such a busy job, she said she’s looking forward to an upcoming trip to China, although she admits it might take some time getting used to the idea of retirement.
“That kind of puts off the reality of the Monday morning for a little while,” she said of the trip.
“I really don’t know what the future holds but I can say I won’t be standing still.”
