CUTV News Radio Spotlights Lois Marie Wygonik

Lakeland, FL - Many people who choose nursing as a profession do so because they enjoy helping people. What if you have such a caring nature that even a debilitating affliction does not discourage you from devoting yourself to your work even in your golden years?

Lois Marie Wygonik is a retired Certified Registered Nurse and Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner who specialized in caring and dedicated healthcare. Lois spent 56 years as a highly regarded nurse anesthetist before retiring in 2015 at 75 years old.

“There is not the same high-quality standard of care today as when I was a nurse,” says Lois. “We provided much more compassion and dedication. I felt an overwhelming amount of empathy for my patients. Now hospitals are a business in a hurry to make a profit instead of caring for the patient.”

Lois received her nursing degree in 1960 from Butler Memorial Hospital.  In 1965, however, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Doctors had to remove so much tissue, it left her with little muscles and nerves.

“I had to learn to do everything left handed,” explains Lois. “I’m deaf in my right ear and have permanent paralysis in the face, but I was inspired to move forward with my nursing career with no problem. For all my life I have remained strong and independent.”

Lois continues to live a compassionate lifestyle devoting herself wholeheartedly to animal rescue.

“Nothing compares to the wonderful feeling of joy and fulfillment you receive from helping living beings in need,” says Marie. “We should all give back and help one another live happy and healthy.”