Special to IFN
If you’ve ever visited Iredell Health’s Outpatient Lab, you may have had the pleasure of meeting Odessa Holmes. Her compassion is something you wouldn’t soon forget.
Holmes’ journey at Iredell Health began 48 years ago as a CNA at Iredell Memorial Hospital in 1977.
“It was really a community hospital where everybody knew each other,” said Holmes. “We were a family, and everybody looked out for each other.”
In the 1980s, she went on to become a medical office assistant, working at gastroenterologist practices in Iredell and Catawba counties while maintaining PRN work at Iredell. In the mid-1990s Holmes returned home full-time as a phlebotomist where she has remained ever since.
“I’ve always been a science person, so the lab was a good fit for me. I had the best phlebotomy supervisor, Janice Cureton, who taught me so much,” Holmes said.
Many patients request her to draw their labs, citing her “special touch.”
“Everybody says ‘it’s an angel touch’ or ‘a blessing’ but you know, my compassion is from the heart. All of us down (in the Outpatient Lab) show it every day, especially with helping patients who have wheelchairs, walkers and canes.”
Several years ago, she was instrumental in establishing the mobile car draw program for patients to have their labs done in the comfort of their vehicle. This was just one of the ways she touched lives during her tenure at Iredell.
“The name Odessa means ‘long journey’ in Greek,” shared Mark Berry, Iredell Health’s Laboratory Director. “Odessa is a shining example of great character, work ethic, professionalism, integrity, love for the patients in the community and love for her co-workers. Her long journey has been a part of Iredell Health laboratory for many years. She always has a smile, she is an example of Iredell’s core values and more.”
Later this month, Holmes will officially retire after her nearly five decades of service. She plans to travel with her husband and enjoy time with extended family.
“When I celebrated 40 years of service, Mr. Green (Iredell Health President & CEO) gave me an unsung hero award. This unsung hero wants to leave a legacy of compassion.”
About Iredell Health System
Iredell Health System includes Iredell Memorial Hospital; Iredell Davis Medical Center; Iredell Davis Behavioral Health Hospital; Iredell Mooresville; 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 nonprofit hospital in Iredell County. The comprehensive healthcare organization has 391 licensed beds; more than 2,000 employees; and has approximately 365 healthcare providers representing various specialties. Centers of excellence include Women’s and Children’s; Cardiovascular; Cancer; Surgical Services and Wellness & Prevention. The health system’s Iredell Mooresville campus 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.