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If you don’t know her
Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. CEO Esther Muna presents Susan de Veyra with a certificate of appreciation. (Contributed Photo)
Her name is Susan de Veyra, a super-amazing nurse at the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. If you don’t know her, there must be two reasons: You’re not from Saipan, Tinian or Rota; or you or any members of your family have never been to CHCC. If you know her then your parents, grandparents, and even great-grandparents knew her too—33 years working in the healthcare industry should be enough to be known by three generations.
In the year 1989, the waves of nursing fate brought her to the Commonwealth Health Center, now the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp.. Lured by the calmness and beauty of Island life, she stayed, even though there are so many chances somewhere else. She made Saipan her second home for more than half of her life. I’m not saying she’s man’amko, she’s always been young at heart. As a nurse myself, I saw how she worked and I admire her—the dedication and passion in her chosen vocation. If she can work hard she can play even harder. She loves parties, going out with friends to buffets in hotels or restaurants.
I was amazed when I knew just an hour before writing this piece that the Divine Word University in Tacloban City, Philippines is her alma mater. The toughest college of nursing in the region with 100% passing rate for Philippine nursing licensure examinations. I also set foot on the grounds and in the buildings of this college, until they closed their doors when I was in the second year of the BSN program.
When I saw her social media feed that she has decided to retire, I was surprised. It never occurred to me that she plans to. She still has the agility to perform the job pretty well. I knew nurses who retire and after a month go back to the workforce as part-time, for the reason that they feel bored. I’m pretty sure she will miss Saipan so much, but Saipan will miss her even more—her caring hands and passionate heart.
Dear CNMI senators: I think Susan deserves a Senate resolution, or some humanities award. Thank you.
I care.
Riza Ramos BSN, RN
Bismarck, North Dakota
