Congratulations are in order for Francesca Victor, RN, as she announces her retirement after more than 26 years of service at Bon Secours Rappahannock General Hospital (RGH).
“I feel blessed to have had this opportunity to have a work family where there is so much genuine caring for one another,” she shares.
Francesca started her RGH career on Aug. 1, 1995. She worked a few months in the medical/surgical inpatient unit before moving to the oncology department, where she spent the next 14 years. During that time, she received her oncology nurse certification, facilitated the on-site cancer support group and began to develop a specialized interest in women’s breast health. As that interest grew, Francesca took advantage of a vacancy in the imaging department and accepted the position of imaging nurse navigator, a role that she would embrace for the next 12 years.
As imaging nurse navigator, Francesca dedicated her time and energy to the growth and development of RGH’s women’s health programs. In addition to her kindness and compassion for helping guide patients through testing and treatments, she was also instrumental in the implementation of new programs at RGH, such as the introduction of 3D mammography.
One of Francesca’s proudest RGH initiatives is founding the Power of Pink annual October breast cancer awareness community event. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the popular, fast-growing hospital-sponsored event was developing an impressive following. It had a reputation for being a high-quality, fun and festive celebration of awareness and education for the community.
“Knowing everyone’s names around you, being greeted by name the minute you set foot out of your car in the morning,” Francesca says about what she will miss most in retirement.
She adds, “I’ll also miss my patients. There are so many who have reached out to me regularly for guidance over the years. I’ve loved having those relationships and being in such a trusted position for them.”
Francesca’s RGH team members recently held a reception in her honor. Some of the comments shared verbally and in writing included:
- “Fran is a quiet hero, tiptoeing behind the scenes, connecting with the patients and their families with such warmth and understanding that they keep returning time and time again.”
- “Her love for her job and care she shows her colleagues and patients shines through even during the darkest of times. She has made her mark and will be greatly missed.”
Francesca lives in Hardyville, Va. with her husband, Scot. They have one son, one daughter and two grandchildren. In her free time, she enjoys the beach, exercising, cooking and riding motorcycles.
One of the first things she plans to do in her retirement is hop on a train to New York and visit with family. She’s also excited to explore new hobbies, and she patiently waits for her husband to come to his own retirement point so they can embark on a long-anticipated cross-country motorcycle trip. She quotes the movie “Wild Hogs” and as her parting retirement words says, “I just want to ride!”
“We are grateful for Fran’s dedication and being good help to her peers, our patients and our community,” J. Alan Bailey, vice president administrator for RGH, shares. “We wish her well on her much-deserved retirement.”
Thank you to Francesca for her more than 26 years of service with our ministry. At Bon Secours, nurses mean the world! We are so thankful for all our nurses.
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