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Women’s History Month Spotlight: Eunice Medhurst

Ms. Medhurst standing next to her portrait

Mar. 31 2021

March is Women’s History Month. In this post, we highlight Lexington Medical Center’s first director of nursing, Eunice Medhurst.

Eunice Medhurst grew up in Lexington County, attended nursing school in Columbia and worked for many years at Columbia Hospital. In the late 1960s, George Rentz – Lexington Medical Center’s first President & CEO – recruited Ms. Medhurst to be the first director of nursing at the soon-to-open Lexington County Hospital.

Ms. Medhurst accepting her new role enthusiastically. Considered one of the best nurses in the Midlands, she was able to recruit the best nursing staff in the Midlands to work at the hospital when it opened in 1971.
Early photo of Ms. Medhurst with another nurse

Ms. Medhurst would often explain why she wanted to work at Lexington Medical Center. “It was a way to pay back the people of Lexington County for my education,” she said.

In addition to her knowledge and passion for nursing, Ms. Medhurst was also known as a strict disciplinarian who expected nurses to have perfectly starched white uniforms and to stand up when a doctor walked into the room.
Later photo of Ms. Medhurst receiving award

Ms. Medhurst died in 2014 at the age of 103.

We’re thankful for years of service taking care of people in our community. Her strong work ethic laid the foundation for excellence in nursing at Lexington Medical Center.

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Women’s History Month Spotlight: Eunice Medhurst

Ms. Medhurst standing next to her portrait

Mar. 31 2021

March is Women’s History Month. In this post, we highlight Lexington Medical Center’s first director of nursing, Eunice Medhurst.

Eunice Medhurst grew up in Lexington County, attended nursing school in Columbia and worked for many years at Columbia Hospital. In the late 1960s, George Rentz – Lexington Medical Center’s first President & CEO – recruited Ms. Medhurst to be the first director of nursing at the soon-to-open Lexington County Hospital.

Ms. Medhurst accepting her new role enthusiastically. Considered one of the best nurses in the Midlands, she was able to recruit the best nursing staff in the Midlands to work at the hospital when it opened in 1971.
Early photo of Ms. Medhurst with another nurse

Ms. Medhurst would often explain why she wanted to work at Lexington Medical Center. “It was a way to pay back the people of Lexington County for my education,” she said.

In addition to her knowledge and passion for nursing, Ms. Medhurst was also known as a strict disciplinarian who expected nurses to have perfectly starched white uniforms and to stand up when a doctor walked into the room.
Later photo of Ms. Medhurst receiving award

Ms. Medhurst died in 2014 at the age of 103.

We’re thankful for years of service taking care of people in our community. Her strong work ethic laid the foundation for excellence in nursing at Lexington Medical Center.

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Thank you for the comment! Your comment must be approved first

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Disclaimer: This blog is intended for general understanding and education about Lexington Medical Center. Nothing on the blog should be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Blog visitors with personal health or medical questions should consult their health care provider.