By Marguerite Sand
Times-Union Women's Editor

Those submitting to surgery in the past two years at Murphy Medical Center, Warsaw, have looked into the eyes of the woman pictured here. (Times-Union Staff Photo)

Personality and individuality were obscured, covered by a white uniform and facial mask. For a few brief moments, before you succumbed to the oblivion of unconsciousness, you probably wondered who she might be. When you awoke, chances are the incident was forgotten, and you never asked the question again. Mrs. Jordan has been on the local hospital staff for the past five years. It was not until 1954 that she began here the work in which she had received specialized training the administration of anesthetics.

Her father, C.V. Anderson, is a Seventh Day Adventist minister of 40 years standing. At present he and his wife live at Baltimore, Md., where he is conference president of his denomination. Fifteen years of his ministry has been spent as a missionary to Europe. Mrs. Anderson (sic) has a sister, Mrs. George Kreuder, who is a nurse in California. Her brother, W. C. Anderson, lives in Iowa. Mrs. Jordan's husband is employed by the Sunshine Farm Mills of Churubusco.

In addition to her work as an anesthiologist, Mrs. Jordan devotes much of her time to her five children Nancy, 17, is a senior at Indiana Academy, Cicero, Ill. Still at home are Donald, 10, Robert, 8, Linda, 6, and Richard, who is three years old. All but the little one attend Monroe township school. Grandma, Mrs. C. N. Jordan, formerly of Etna Green, is a member of the large family, helping to care for the little ones.

Live in Europe
When Mrs. Jordan was a year old, her family went to Sweden where they remained for 11 years. During this time she was tutored by a private instructor. From Sweden the family moved to England. For the next four years she attended English public schools, and Newbold Missionary college, Rugby. Broadview high school, LaGrange, Ill., is Mrs. Jordan's alma mater. Following her graduation from William Mason Memorial hospital, Murry, Ky., she practiced as a register nurse.

One night everyone was tied up in the operating room. Mrs. Jordan had to give gas to a patient. It was at this time she decided she wanted to know more about the administration of anesthetics. She took a nine-month course, both technical and practical, at the Norwegian American School of Anesthesia.

Mrs. Jordan is affiliated with the American Association of Nurses and Anesthiologists which was organized 25 years ago. When it became necessary 16 years ago to take a national board examination to qualify, she was the first one to come before the board. Mrs. Jordan is registered in the states of Kentucky, Maryland and Indiana, and belongs to both state and national nurse's association.

Realized Ambition
For as long as she can remember, Mrs. Jordan wanted to be a nurse. Her work is a satisfying one. She likes contact with patients. The challenge of her profession, alleviating both physical and mental distress continues to be a fascinating and absorbing one.

In North Carolina where she spent one year in a doctor's office, she delivered two babies in homes during a flu epidemic. Most satisfying of all to Mrs. Jordan is the privilege of telling a patient she has a new son or daughter. The look on the mother's face is payment enough.

Mrs. Jordan has had three months training in pediatrics. Three in obstetrics, three in medicine and clinical procedure. When in the pediatric ward, a nurse has her hands full. There may be five to eight "preemies" in addition to the 25 to 30 children who need attention.

The heart of this nurse goes out to the sick and suffering. Sitting with the dying is one of her duties. As one talked to Mrs. Jordan you knew that a compassionate nurse never takes this final service to a patient matter of factly. She told of the little boy in the pediatric ward who was dying of kidney poison. His mother could not bear to stay with him. Mrs. Jordan sat with the child, the mother watched the children in the ward.

Most patients before an operation are frightened. It is Mrs. Jordan's duty to alleviate fear. Her favorite cases are those involving children, such as tonsillectomies. She has a bag of tricks up her sleeve. After playing games, counting spots, blowing balloons with them, she has gained their confidence and they create no problem.

Faced with a situation with which they are not familiar, patients beg Mrs. Jordan to stay with them until they are awake, to pray with them, to give a message to some member of their families.

Safe in Right Hands
Taking an anesthetic is safe, Mrs. Jordan said, if it is administered by a competent and qualified person. The anestheologist is responsible to the surgeon. She must report any change in the patient's condition. Oxygen is administered throughout surgery, and accurate check is kept on blood pressure, pulse, and respiration. Often stimulants have to be given.

Sometimes the nurse's duties takes on a lighter aspect. One day, Mrs. Jordan relates, a woman came into the hospital with a foot infection. She needed immediate attention, was taken to surgery. It was Mrs. Jordan's job to call a neighbor and ask her to turn off the stove before the meal the woman was cooking burned.

It is with great respect that we pay homage to all women of the nursing profession, who in this community and throughout the world devote their lives to the welfare of others.

Warsaw Times-Union Thursday, September 13, 1956

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