Meet Rhonda Johnson - Occupational Health Nurse

Growing up in Normandy, Mo., a suburb of St. Louis County Rhonda Johnson aspired to be a structural engineer, but after a while she realized that engineering was not her calling and she enjoyed helping others more.

“I was always a caregiver in some way or another,” Rhonda reflects. “After dropping out of college for a while, I decided to work at a nursing home as a certified nursing assistant, home health aide and certified medication tech, and through this, I decided I wanted to go to nursing school. I love caring for people, and I realized nursing was my purpose and calling; nursing is in my soul and heart.”

Growing up as the middle child with two brothers, Rhonda was always very social and independent.

“I had a typical childhood playing in the neighborhood, being a Girl Scout, skating and hanging out with friends who I grew up with as far back as third grade. I always enjoyed making my own money by cutting grass, shoveling snow and babysitting,” Rhonda said.

Both of her parents grew up in the south and Rhonda remembers them as caring and compassionate souls who helped shaped her into the woman she is today.

“My parents instilled a sense of love for all people in me in which I hold onto when I’m in difficult situations. Regardless of race or background, they always showed love and kindness to neighbors even the ones who didn’t welcome us as the second Black family to move into the neighborhood in 1968,” Rhonda said.

Rhonda credits her love for all people and her strong faith as instrumental in helping along her career path.

“There were many mountains I had to climb as a woman of color entering the nursing field. The healthcare environment was and still is a challenge for persons of color. I’m blessed to have an intimate and personal relationship with Christ that keeps me focused. I’m not perfect yet I strive to be the best nurse I can be,” Rhonda admits.

“I realized I had the ability to care for and establish relationships with people, even people who didn’t care for me because of the color of my skin. But love, patience, understanding and keeping an open mind conquered some of these experiences. I didn’t let difficult people change me and my purpose” Rhonda said. “Fortunately, I met strong women along my career who looked like me and encouraged me to continue my education—including my mother, she was my biggest cheerleader. The nurses I have worked with throughout my nursing career were phenomenal and exhibited professionalism. I looked up to them as they mentored me. One nurse graduated from Homer G. Phillips School of Nursing, and another graduated from St. Louis University. The second woman became my tutor and mentor when I returned to school to obtain my master’s degree in Nursing with a concentration in Healthcare Policy.”

Rhonda began her career as an Occupational Health Nurse with the St. Louis District’s Safety Office a little more than a year ago. Rhonda recalls the welcome ceremony she received and was honored to be greeted by St. Louis District Commander Kevin Golinghorst and the administration staff. One event, however, truly stands out in her mind.

“I had been with the District for less than three months when I lost my mother,” Rhonda remembers. “My supervisor, Sarah Futrell, attended the viewing and stood by my side while I greeted family and friends. My co-workers sent flowers and cards as well. I was treated like family even though I had been with the Corps for such a short amount of time,” she recalls.

Outside of work, Rhonda enjoys traveling, visiting family and friends, working in her yard, and reading the Bible and inspirational books. She also loves spending time with her three children, three grandsons, her “daughter-in-love,” and her husband whom she just recently married this month.

In addition to her job with the Corps, Rhonda also has a nonprofit organization for individuals aging in place called, “Jeremiah Healthcare Solutions.”

“I acknowledge individuals who suffer from kidney disease and who are on kidney dialysis as well as their caregivers every year on February 15 in honor of my niece who was also a nurse, caregiver and advocate. She began her journey with kidney disease at the age of 21 until the age of 36 years and 10 months. She traded in her cross for a Crown on December 17, 2017,” Rhonda said.

As a person of color, Rhonda says every day is Black History to her.

“I witnessed the struggle to eventually get Black History Month recognized,” Rhonda explained. Celebrating one month out of the year is a start, however Black History should be recognized daily as Black History played an integral role in the building of America. There are many stories that need to be told which sadly will be left untold due to limitations, and politics. Black History is crucial and necessary for us to celebrate victory over hate as one.”

One of Rhonda’s favorite verses that continues to inspire and guide her path is from the book of Jeremiah.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” -- Jeremiah 29:11.

Caring is the essence of nursing. By providing encouragement and looking out for the health and safety of St. Louis District employees, Rhonda’s work brings great satisfaction, strengthens relationships within the workforce and is critical for the creation of an inclusive work environment that offers support to all employees. As we move forward, we should remember that small tokens of understanding and little acts of kindness are really what makes caregiving meaningful.

Article by Romanda Walker