LVHHN Nurse Celebrates 46 Years on the Job

Caring for children is the only job Marlene Clouden, R.N., ever wanted

Lehigh Valley, Pa. (April 17, 2007) – Could you imagine doing the same job for 46 years? Marlene Clouden, R.N., wouldn’t have it any other way. Since Dwight D. Eisenhower was president and “Gunsmoke” was television’s hottest show, Clouden has been doing what she does best at Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network (LVHHN)—caring for children.

When Clouden began her career in 1960 at The Allentown Hospital (now LVH-17^th and Chew), she never dreamed she would be caring for newborns in LVH-Cedar Crest’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in 2007. “When you begin a career, 46 years seems like a long way off,” she says. “But time has passed very quickly.”

Over the years, many things have kept this 67-year-old caregiver enthusiastic about her job. “I love the people I work with,” the Breinigsville woman says. “I’ve been working alongside many of them for more than 20 years, and lasting friendships have formed.”

Clouden’s love of learning also has kept her career fresh. She still learns something new every day. It’s a characteristic instilled by one of her mentors, Forrest G. Moyer, M.D., the founder of LVHHN’s pediatric department. “In neonatal nursing, the way we deliver care and the technology is constantly changing and improving,” she says. “I believe life is a constant learning experience.”

On occasion, former patients and their families return to LVHHN to thank Clouden and the other NICU caregivers for their skillful, compassionate work. These visits often lead to the formation of special relationships. That’s what makes her nursing career most rewarding. “You form a special bond and feel like you’re part of their family,” she says.

Recently, Clouden reluctantly cut back her hours to spend more time with family. After more than four decades on the job, she still enjoys every moment and doesn’t take anything for granted. “It’s still the most awesome thing to see a baby being born, to care for that child and be treated like I’m part of the baby’s family,” she says. “I’ve been blessed to do what I always wanted to do—what I love to do.”

Note: A portrait of Marlene Clouden is available by calling 610-402-0819.

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