Lifetime of Heartfelt Calling Leads to Heartfelt Gift

Bonnie Rudisill's journey into nursing began with a heartfelt calling she felt at a young age. She often said, "God put it on my heart." Her high school years were shaped by an exceptional science teacher who became her mentor, guiding her to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse. Bonnie grew up on a modest farm, and her parents faced financial challenges in providing for their family. This upbringing instilled in Bonnie the understanding that she would bear most of the costs associated with her nursing education.

Upon graduating from high school, Bonnie initially applied to the then Cabarrus Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Cabarrus County. However, the program was temporarily closed for revisions that same year. Disheartened but not for long, Bonnie heard from her high school guidance counselor that there were openings at the Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing. She applied and was accepted into this program, which was conveniently located within the hospital complex, complete with dormitories for the students. Her educational journey was intensive, spanning three years, with only brief breaks around July 4 and Christmas. She graduated in 1976, along with her classmates who would become lifelong friends on her nursing journey.

By the start of junior year, Bonnie had depleted her personal savings and could not cover her tuition. She was met with a life-changing surprise; Ann Pleasants White, the head of nursing, contacted her to share the remarkable news that an anonymous donor had generously offered to cover the remainder of her nursing education expenses. This act of kindness left an indelible mark on Bonnie's heart, and she knew from that moment that she wanted to pay it forward by helping others achieve their educational goals. This became her driving force, her "why" for creating a legacy gift. It was not just about supporting nursing students but also about the countless patients whose lives the nurses would touch in the future.

After graduating, Bonnie initially worked at what was then known as Presbyterian Hospital before branching out into various nursing specialties. Her career encompassed experiences in blood banking, collections for patients with leukemia, white cell collection, and platelet collection. She also spent several years in orthopedic nursing before taking time off to be with her children. Bonnie returned to her nursing career eventually joining the Novant Health team. She received a phone call from Lois Foy with Employee Health, offering Bonnie a position with Novant Health. Lois served as an inspiring example of a dedicated nurse and reignited Bonnie's belief in the availability of good nursing training. This role ultimately became one of her most fulfilling, and she retired in 2021, filled with satisfaction.

Throughout her career, Bonnie diligently set aside funds for her retirement years. Her philosophy was simple: if she didn't need the money, she wanted it to benefit as many people as possible. Her gift, a legacy contribution from her IRA, supports the two funds at the Novant Health Foundation. The White Rose Endowment Fund, a nursing fund established in honor of Ann Pleasants White, the former Nursing Director, and the Upward Mobility Education Assistance Program, which aids nurses in advancing their careers through education. Bonnie maintains a close bond with the Novant Health Presbyterian School of Nursing Alumni Association. She is encouraged by the continued educational programs at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center, recognizing the need to replace retiring nurses.

If she could offer words of wisdom to recipients of her legacy gift, Bonnie would emphasize the importance of adhering to nursing standards, with the primary one being "First, do no harm." This principle aligns with Novant Health’s Mission and Vision, and it's a lesson she embraced throughout her nursing career. She would also advise aspiring nurses to seek out mentors and, above all, to consider how they can contribute to the well-being of others, whether through financial support or volunteer opportunities, both locally and beyond.