Barbara McCarthy

My Proud Story...

In 1970, my 15-year-old brother had a diving accident which left him a quadriplegic. I was 12 at the time and watching his caregivers made such an impression on me, that I became a nurse. Nursing has been my life's work for the past 40 years. In 2000, my family moved to the Lehigh Valley and I began my job at St. Luke's Hospital - Bethlehem. I had worked in many hospitals during my career in three other states, but I was immediately impressed with the culture and work environment at St. Luke's. I began in the CSICU, but since have been an adjunct clinical instructor, worked in IT and now in cardiology.

I've also experienced the "other side" of health care as a patient at St. Luke's. In 2014, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, St. Luke's provided me with the best care possible. Even with a second opinion at another large, prestigious hospital, I chose St. Luke's for my care because I knew it was the best. The pride I feel at being a St. Luke's employee is not only from my work experience, but from the experience of being a vulnerable cancer patient. As I move into retirement and see my children get married and have grandchildren, not only do I have St. Luke's to thank for a wonderful, rewarding work experience, but also for saving my life.

Barbara McCarthy, BSN
Registered Nurse
Hired in 2000