[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 34 (Tuesday, March 24, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E456]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                           HONORING RUTH PUGH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. THOMAS J. MANTON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 24, 1998

  Mr. MANTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to Ruth 
Pugh--a modern day Florence Nightengale whose contribution to the 
nursing profession has spanned approximately 40 years.
  Born in Jamaica, West Indies, Ruth was trained in Plaistow Hospital 
London, England, and graduated as an RN in 1961. Her interest in the 
study of midwifery resulted in her commencing specialized training in 
this field in 1962, later to be complemented by an interest and 
experience in the disciplines of medicine and surgery. Knowing the 
significance of the mind-body connection as it pertains to patient 
care, Ruth went on to attain a Bachelor's degree in Psychology/
Sociology from Marymount College, Manhattan, New York.
  A Master's degree from Long Island University soon rounded out the 
academic picture and manifested the striving for excellence that has 
always been the hallmark of her professional life. Later, a nursing 
administration certification in 1986 served as a preamble to her 
distinguished career as the Associate Director of Nursing, Department 
of Medicine, Jacobi Medical Center, where she was aided by her loyal 
associate Juanita Duncan and many friends and colleagues.
  Mr. Speaker, although Ruth's academic credentials are comprehensive 
and impressive, they fail to show the most abiding dimension of who she 
is as a woman and a person--her strong sense of compassion. I, 
personally, know that Ruth Pugh's supervision and care of a beloved 
family member resulted in her being affectionately called ``Commander 
Pugh.'' For that is indeed who she is--a leader of people, a person who 
pays attention to detail, and one who inspires a sense of teamwork 
among the healthcare professionals with whom she serves. She can, at 
times, be strong and firm in ensuring that the highest quality of 
health care is given and then, at a moment's notice, upon seeing a 
distraught family member, rush to console them with prayer and kind 
words. This combination of qualities is unbeatable.
  Mr. Speaker, those for whom she has been a steadfast source of help 
and support recognize this quality in her. They know that she can set a 
goal and, no matter how insurmountable the obstacles, achieve those 
goals. Such was the case when in the history of her hospital budget and 
financial constraints necessitated the elimination of several nursing 
positions. It was Ruth Pugh, who saw to it that when qualified nursing 
staff was so desperately needed those staff positions were reinstated. 
This was no small task in a time of limited resources and fiscal 
pressures.
  Ruth Pugh is a human dynamo, a gracious human being, an accomplished 
professional, and a hallmark of those characteristics that define the 
consummate nurse--caring for others while simultaneously caring for her 
husband Sidney and three children. She is someone not easily forgotten, 
and through her care and the meaningful way she has touched people's 
lives, someone whose influence will endure forever.

                          ____________________