Alyssa Ridenour
reporter@greenepublishing.com
Ronda Garner is a lifelong resident of Madison County. She is married to Tommy Garner, and has been blessed with two beautiful daughters, ages 28 and 22. She has dedicated the past 30 years of her life to serving others and currently works at Lake Park of Madison Nursing and Rehabilitation, where she has been employed for approximately 14 years. She holds the position of Infection Preventionist Director of Nursing. Her job includes the tracking, testing and mapping of different viruses.
Garner discussed her experience with her medically fragile sibling and went on to explain how frequently they found themselves in Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Fla. She believes that experience gave her a sense of compassion for those with medical needs. "I love the nursing profession," said Garner. "I feel that it was my calling."
Garner went to North Florida College for her LPN and worked as an LPN for 27 years. In 2017, she earned her RN. Garner explains how COVID has affected the healthcare field. She recalls stories she's heard of people quitting because they can't take it anymore. "This is a very difficult time for healthcare workers," said Garner. "I am very appreciative of all the healthcare workers that haven't given up and are still out there caring for others."
Garner has a deep love for her patients. "Working in the environment I work in, you have to have patience and build a relationship," explained Garner. "You become their family and they become yours. You build a relationship with them and they grow to depend on you. When you are with them everyday, they become your family."