The Enduring Legacy of Florence “SeeSee” Rigney
For many years, the name synonymous with the nation's oldest working nurse was Florence “SeeSee” Rigney. Born in 1925, her career spanned an incredible seven decades. Her story is a powerful testament to the value of experience, the joy of purposeful work, and the profound impact a single individual can have over a long and dedicated career in healthcare. Her journey began in an era vastly different from today's advanced medical landscape, yet her commitment to her calling never wavered.
Starting a Career in a Different Era
Rigney’s professional journey began in 1946, a pivotal time in medical history. She trained at the Tacoma General Hospital School of Nursing in Washington, the very place where she would spend the majority of her long and illustrious career. When she began her work, medical advancements that are now taken for granted were brand new. Penicillin, for example, had only recently been introduced, and patient care protocols were vastly different. Rigney's experience during this time gave her a unique perspective on the evolution of medicine and the nursing profession.
An Unstoppable Dedication to Service
Her dedication was so profound that even retirement couldn't keep her away for long. At age 65, Rigney attempted to retire but quickly discovered that a sedentary lifestyle wasn't for her. After just six months, she returned to Tacoma General, a decision that would extend her career by an additional 25 years. This anecdote speaks volumes about her nature and deep connection to her work. She was described by colleagues as having a no-nonsense work ethic and the energy to "run circles around" nurses many decades her junior. Even in her 90s, she continued to work part-time, primarily serving as an operating room (OR) nurse, preparing rooms and assisting with procedures. This transition from full-time to part-time work demonstrates a healthy, flexible approach to aging in the workforce, balancing a continued sense of purpose with a more manageable schedule.
A Well-Deserved Retirement and Lasting Tribute
In 2021, at the remarkable age of 96, Rigney finally retired for good. The COVID-19 pandemic, with its significant health risks for older individuals, made her continued presence in the hospital untenable. Her final day in July 2021 marked the end of an era. To honor her unparalleled dedication and inspiring career, the MultiCare Health System established the “SeeSee Rigney Nursing Endowed Scholarship Fund.” This scholarship is designed to support the education of future nurses, ensuring that her legacy of passion, learning, and compassion continues to influence generations to come. MultiCare Health System officially announced her retirement and the creation of this fund.
The Changing Faces of Nursing: Then and Now
Throughout her career, Rigney witnessed seismic shifts in healthcare, from the widespread adoption of technology to changes in patient care philosophy. Understanding these differences highlights the unique challenges and opportunities faced by nurses across different generations.
A Comparison of Nursing Across Generations
| Aspect | Rigney's Early Career (1940s-1960s) | Modern Nursing (2000s-Present) |
|---|---|---|
| Patient Stay Duration | Typically longer; often 10+ days after surgery. | Much shorter; many patients go home in a day or two. |
| Technology | Based on manual charting and early equipment. | Highly integrated with electronic health records (EHRs) and advanced medical devices. |
| Workforce Age | Most nurses retired in their 50s or 60s. | Many nurses continue working well into their 60s, 70s, and beyond. |
| Training Focus | Primarily hands-on, procedural skills. | Combines hands-on skills with extensive training in digital systems and complex protocols. |
The Health Benefits of Working Longer
Florence Rigney's story also speaks to the broader trend of healthy aging. For many, continuing to work past traditional retirement age provides significant mental and social benefits. The engagement, purpose, and social interaction that a career offers can contribute to a sharper mind and a more fulfilling life. Her decision to return to nursing after a short retirement, because she "always got to have something to do," underscores the psychological and emotional rewards of a long and active career.
Inspiring a New Generation of Healthcare Professionals
Florence Rigney’s story is a powerful source of inspiration for both young and veteran healthcare professionals. Her advice to younger nurses was simple but profound: "Don't ever think that you know it all... You never stop learning." This reflects a key aspect of nursing—the constant evolution of knowledge and practice. Her love for nursing was genuine, and it was that passion that fueled her for decades. Her final years in the operating room, where she would set up for more than 70 procedures a week, showed that experience and a positive attitude can outweigh any perceived limitations of age.
What SeeSee Rigney's Career Teaches Us
- Embrace Lifelong Learning: The healthcare field is always changing, and an adaptable, curious mindset is essential for longevity.
- Find Your Passion: A genuine love for one's work is a powerful motivator that can sustain a career for a lifetime.
- Stay Active and Engaged: Continuing to work provides social connection and a sense of purpose that benefits overall well-being.
- Value Experience: Rigney’s extensive experience gave her a deep well of wisdom that was invaluable to her colleagues.
The Continual Search for the Longest-Serving Nurse
With Florence Rigney's retirement, the unofficial title of the nation's oldest working nurse likely passed to someone else, though such a record is difficult to track. Every year, new stories emerge of dedicated nurses working into their 80s and 90s, each with their own inspiring tale. The search for who is the oldest working nurse continues, but what truly matters is not a single name but the collective dedication of all healthcare professionals who commit their lives to caring for others. Their stories, like SeeSee Rigney's, serve as powerful reminders of the profound impact of a career spent in service.
Continuing the Legacy
As the nursing profession looks to the future, it is built on the foundation laid by pioneers like Florence Rigney. The blend of decades of wisdom with new technologies and approaches will shape the next era of healthcare. While she may have hung up her scrubs, her legacy continues to inspire, reminding everyone of the honor and importance of a lifetime dedicated to nursing.
