Celebrating Two 40-Plus-Year Nurse Employees

(L to R: Rhody and Armi)

Every morning when she huddles with the staff, Rhody Umail’s parting words are always, “Be creative!” Creativity and respect encapsulate Umail, who just celebrated 43 years at Southern California Hospital at Culver City as a registered nurse.

“In the years we work together, Rhody always treats her patients and co-workers with loving respect and is a model of a wonderful charge nurse,” said Manager Jessie Nowain, therapy and wound care. “I haven't asked her much about her retirement plans because I'm not ready to hear it. Our unit won’t be the same without her!”

Since Umail started her career at the hospital in 1979, she has worked as a floor nurse, charge nurse and rehabilitation director, among other roles in medical-surgical, rehab and oncology.

Umail, who is originally from Hawaii, spends free time with her 19-month-old grandson, and pursuing her hobbies of Korean drama stories and traveling. Her dream when she retires next year is to take an Alaska or European cruise.

Armi Enciso, RN, joined Southern California Hospital at Culver City in 1980. Due to COVID, her colleagues were unable to celebrate her 40th year of service in 2020, so when her 70th birthday was coming up, they got together to celebrate her birthday and her service last month.

“This was a reflection of the love and respect they have for Armi,” said Program Director Darrin Buckner, Acute Rehabilitation Unit. “Armi is planning to retire at the end of this year and is looking forward to relaxing and possibly looking for opportunities outside of healthcare.”

Enciso has worked on medical-surgical, acute rehab and wound care during her tenure.

Buckner added, “We are sad that Rhody and Armi will be retiring soon. However, more than anything, we feel proud and privileged to have had them with us for long.”