Sr. Ruth Schirtzinger, Columbus, OH, is a nurse at Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus, as well as a volunteer at Kobacker House Hospice, which provides in-patient hospice care. Sr. Ruth began her ministry as a teacher in primary grades in schools in Ohio and Michigan. She received a Master of Science in Education from Marygrove College in Detroit, MI and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, OH.
"I spent the first 21 years of my life as a Dominican working with trusting and inquisitive children," Sr. Ruth said. "Now I am a staff nurse on a vascular thoracic unit where many of the patients are recovering from recent surgery. They are often scared and apprehensive. I try to be a compassionate, caring nurse. The simple prayer I can offer patient and family before surgery seems to mean so much."
"I learned so much from my own mother, who always had a word of encouragement or compliment to bestow," she added. "I only hope that I can reflect her goodness and compassion to those with whom I minister as a nurse and hospice volunteer."
