Editor’s Note: Iredell Health System is celebrates its 70th anniversary this month. The nonprofit’s success is s a testament to the dedication and loyalty of employees, both past and present. More than 70 current employees have worked at Iredell Health System for over 30 years.

Iredell Health System retiree reflects on long career as registered nurse

Special to Iredell Free News

Shirley Kunkle’s legacy at Iredell Memorial Hospital is a testament to her unwavering dedication, her passion for nursing, and her innovative spirit.

A former long-time employee of Iredell Health System, she worked at Iredell Memorial Hospital for over 45 years as a registered nurse and supervisor.

Kunkle’s tenure at Iredell Health System began in September of 1961 after graduating from Davis Hospital School of Nursing. Born and raised in Stanfield, N.C., Kunkle knew from a young age that nursing was her calling.

“When I was in sixth grade, I told my dad I was going to be a nurse,” she recalled with a smile. “Of course, my dad said, ‘Oh, no, no,’ but I didn’t change my mind.”

After high school, Kunkle, with her mother’s help, applied to several nursing schools. When she visited Davis Hospital School of Nursing, the blooming flowers captivated her, and she decided to call Statesville home.

Her first position at Iredell Memorial Hospital was on the second floor, working from 3 to 11 p.m. After just one year, an unexpected opportunity arose.

“The operating room supervisor came out one afternoon while I was working and said, ‘I’m going to have an opening in the operating room. Would you be interested?’ That was my top choice, so I immediately said yes to the opportunity,” said Kunkle.

Kunkle transitioned to the operating room (OR) around 1963, and her passion for surgery flourished. As a registered nurse, she scrubbed in for countless procedures, handing surgical instruments to doctors and ensuring everything ran smoothly. Her dedication did not go unnoticed.

When the OR nursing supervisor fell ill and had to leave, she asked Kunkle if she would like the position. In 1972, Kunkle became the OR nursing supervisor, a role she embraced for the next 25 years. During her time as a nursing supervisor, she oversaw significant developments and advancements.

Throughout Kunkle’s career, she is proud of helping oversee upgrades to the OR. Prior to 1986, the hospital’s operating rooms were located in what is now the cardiac cath lab. In 1986, when the hospital constructed a large new addition, Kunkle assisted with selecting the location and design of its new operating rooms.

She is also proud of improving storage in the OR. After attending an Association of periOperative Registered Nurses conference, which she attended nearly every year, she presented the idea of sliding shelves and doors to Arnold Nunnery, the hospital administrator at the time.

“It wasn’t too long until we had them, and our storage was so much better,” she said.

“After 25 years as the OR supervisor, Becky Johnson, the VP of Nursing at the time, asked me if I had any employees who would be good working with the new computer system. I said I would like to because I was ready to get out of supervising,” said Kunkle.

She transitioned into her new role and helped set up the health system’s original computer systems, which helped streamline scheduling and operations.

Kunkle’s career spanned 45 years, during which time she witnessed and facilitated many advancements in surgical technology.

“Laparoscopic surgery was a very interesting change,” said Kunkle.

Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgery that uses small incisions on the abdomen through which the surgeon passes a camera and instruments to complete a procedure. With this development, surgeons can make a few very small incisions instead of one large one.

“Robot-assisted surgery was impressive as well. Dr. Schlesinger, myself, and two other nurses went down to Florida to learn more about the robot, and it was very interesting,” said Kunkle.

Despite the changes and advancements, Kunkle found joy in the ever-evolving field of surgery. “It was something new practically every day,” she said.

Due to her husband’s illness, Kunkle retired in 2007. However, the friendships she forged at Iredell have endured. Even in retirement, Kunkle remains connected to her Iredell family, often dining out with former colleagues.

When asked what made Kunkle stay at Iredell Health System for 45 years, she explains it was because of the people.

“The people were friendly, and they all treated me well. It was just like a family, and you don’t leave your family,” she said.

About Iredell Health System

Iredell Health System includes Iredell Memorial Hospital; Iredell Mooresville; two urgent care centers; Iredell Home Health; Iredell Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center; Community and Corporate Wellness; Occupational Medicine; the Iredell Physician Network and more. Iredell Memorial Hospital is the largest and only nonprofit hospital in Iredell County. The comprehensive healthcare facility has 247 beds; more than 1,800 employees; and has 260 physicians representing various specialties. Centers of excellence include Women’s and Children’s; Cardiovascular; Cancer; Surgical Services and Wellness & Prevention. The Health System’s second campus, Iredell Mooresville, is home to the area’s only 24 hour urgent care facility, as well as an ambulatory surgery center, imaging center, rehabilitation services, and physician practices. The mission of Iredell Health System is to inspire wellbeing. For a comprehensive list of services and programs, visit www.iredellhealth.org.