McNeal celebrated for 50-years of care giving

Narral McNeal has devoted her life to assisting others as a care giver at Navasota Nursing and Rehabilitation and was honored with a 50-year service award for her commitment.

“I really get emotional seeing someone whose dedicated their lives taking care of people like she has,” said Vice President of Operations Keith Boeckstiegel, who was choked up presenting the award. “Don’t make fun of me because I get kind of emotional when it comes to things like this.”

McNeal, who will be 87 in April, is a mother of 10 and said she can still remember when she began working in Navasota.

“I used to be a charge nurse behind the desk and didn’t have to have a license,” said McNeal. “I worked three and a half years and never lost one patient.”

McNeal said she just has a high school diploma but that she “should’ve gotten a nursing degree but married too young.”

The recipe for a long tenure at work is simple for McNeal.

“I don’t give anyone any trouble; I don’t sass any of my charge nurses,” said McNeal. “They tell me to do something and I never open my mouth. I just go and do what I’m told to do. Those are my bosses and that’s the way you’re supposed to treat your boss.”

Sara Colvin director of nursing at the facility said she’s only known McNeal a short time, but that she has already made an impression.

“She’s punctual and cares about the work that she does, and she is very compassionate,” said Colvin.

It isn’t just the staff that has noticed her dedication either, the patients are also fond of their long-term caregiver.

“Whenever she takes a vacation, I’m always called to the halls that she cares for and residents ask me when she is coming back,” said Colvin. “Although they know that she is older and may not be able to lift them or do other things, they respect her and they always tell me that if they pull their light, they know she’s coming to take care of them; she’s very compassionate and genuine.”

McNeal said she doesn’t have any plans on retirement, just yet, because her patients need her.

“My patients are good to me and need me. I try to be good to them by making sure they always have fresh cold water, snacks and are taken care of,” said McNeal. “So far, I’ve been blessed with good help and if the Lord decides one day to take me, then I’ll know it’s time to retire - until then I’ll keep working.”