As America’s oldest nurse who is still working, Florence Rigney stands out as she bustles along the halls of Tacoma General Hospital in Washington State.
But for the people who know her, this 90-year-old is a true fountain of youth.
Referred to by her friends as “SeeSee,” she became a nurse nearly seven decades ago and continues to do what she loves to this very day. Although she is 30 years past retirement age, she shows no signs of slowing down.
It appears that it’s no coincidence that she is the namesake of Florence Nightingale, the English social reformer who is regarded as the founder of modern nursing.
SeeSee recently turned 90 years of age and was given a surprise bash at the hospital. She also received a birthday card from Washington Governor Jay Inslee.
SeeSee continues to work twice a week, setting up hospital rooms and inspiring other nurses with her unlimited energy. She has been in the profession since 1946 and it seems that nothing can get in her way, except for technology. But she’s no luddite, and strives to learn as much about computers as she can.
SeeSee did try to go into retirement at age 67. But as she was in good health and Tacoma General had no age limit for staff, she decided to put her uniform back on.
SeeSee jokes that she’ll continue working as long as there is wheelchair access at the hospital. But, as you will see in the video below, she’s far from retiring her legs.
Watch as SeeSee gets a heart-warming surprise from the people who she inspires and brings joy to every day.
As for her retirement plan? We should probably ask her again in a decade or more.
