Joan Young-Spotswood:
CLASS OF 1974
Runnymede Collegiate High SchoolClass of 1974
Toronto, ON
Humber College - Oastler ResidenceClass of 1976
Toronto, ON
Humber College - NursingClass of 1976
Toronto, ON
Joan's Story
In 1973, Mom asked me what I planned to do for the rest of my life. I was 16 years old. My best friend, Maureen told me she was going to be a nurse and that sounded like a good idea, so...
I completed the RN program at Humber College - Osler School of Nursing. At the time of my graduation, hospital budget cuts caused nursing positions in Ontario to be minimal so I,(along with 26 other nursing graduates)were recruited to Fort Smith, Arkansas. (Maureen eventually joined me as she had also become a nurse)Culture shock. Have you ever eaten "squirrel" chili? I just couldn't. Never have. As Charge Nurse of Cardiac Medicine, I thoroughly enjoyed my career but felt it was time to move on to something a little more challenging.
The big lights (and cowboys)of Dallas beckoned in 1980 and I started a new career at a Level 1 Trauma Center in the heart of Dallas. This was where Thursday night through Sunday morning became known as "The Knife & Gun Club" My specialty was Emergency Nursing and I loved it. I eventually developed a passion for teaching Trauma and Pediatric Nursing and became a guest lecturer at various hospitals in the area.
Still single and looking, I returned to Canada (1989-1990)where I briefly took a job at Humber Memorial ER (he wasn't there) before securing a position with Sunnybrook ER (he wasn't there, either.) Maureen married my brother, Vic and they moved to Corpus Christi,Texas. Eventually, Mo & Vic relocated to Dallas.
It wasn't long before I...Expand for more
realized that my heart belonged in Dallas (he was there.)Upon returning, I resumed ER/Trauma Nursing and teaching. During this time, I wound up producing a VHS tape that (strangely enough)continues to sell on amazon.com
"Infant Emergencies and CPR... When You Least Expect It." It's a video-guide for new parents, grandparents and babysitters. In 1996 I met the love of my life, a Dallas Firefighter - Doug Spotswood. A great guy with 3 sons and a heart of gold. We were soon married. I was 40 yrs. old.
After becoming the Nursing Director of a suburban ER for a year - I changed my specialty to ICU Nursing where I am currently working one or two days a week.
Doug's boys are all grown up now and on their own. We like to travel and entertain. I recently got into Stained Glass and despite a few nicks, cuts and scratches, I'm really enjoying the creative aspects of life. Forcing myself work out consistently has always been a challenge for me but "it is what it is".
Vic and Maureen divorced amicably a few years ago. They did not have children. He lives in Dallas and she lives in San Jose, California - they remain friends and so do we. Vic has two sons from a previous marriage to Barb Pfeiffer (Robert & Thomas).
Mom died suddenly in 1996 - she was 68.
Dad passed away peacefully last year. He was 79.
My sister Barb is in St John's Newfoundland.
Sadly, my eldest brother, Terry died in January 2009 as a result of Diabetes and Kidney failure. He was 56 years old.
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