Dedicated to Nursing

You might think a 26-year career as a visiting nurse would be enough for Claire Kirby but you'd be wrong.  More than 5 ½ years after retiring from the Visiting Nurse Association of Connecticut, Claire continues to take care of patients, only this time at the AmeriCares Free Clinic of Danbury.

The quality of care is one reason Claire volunteers each Saturday.  She remembers a particular patient from a few years ago, a woman who had not seen a doctor in quite a while.  Arriving at the AmeriCares Free Clinic, she was treated by an experienced physician who referred her for testing.  Although she was eventually diagnosed with cancer, because of the clinic's collaborative relationship with Danbury hospital, she was referred to the hospital and was able to receive treatment.

Another reason Claire gives up her Saturdays is the camaraderie she has found among her fellow volunteers and clinic staff.  "The people that I work with are great," she says, citing their dedication and ability to keep things moving during a busy day.

Claire, too, is no slouch when it comes to dedication.  Just how dedicated is she?  Although she has a grandson at West Point, she doesn't attend his Saturday football games so that she can fulfill her commitment to her patients and colleagues in Danbury.  "I should be doing this," she says.