2023 Catholic Schools Week

Knowing how people’s support changed her life, young nurse strives to do the same

Maggie Westjohn takes a break from her work as a nurse at Reid Memorial Hospital in Richmond. She views her career choice as a reflection of all the guidance and support she received during her education in the Seton Catholic Schools in Richmond. (Submitted photo)

By John Shaughnessy

As 23-year-old Maggie Westjohn talks about her life, two themes echo through a conversation with her—the importance of having people who support you at every turn, and the gift of providing support to people in their time of need.

“We all go through times that we’re not fully prepared to handle. We are all weak at times,” says Westjohn, a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Richmond. “I’ve needed that support at times. Having the support system that I’ve had and being able to be that support for other people is just incredible.”

Westjohn makes an impact on people’s lives as a nurse at Reid Memorial Hospital in Richmond. She also views what she does as a reflection of all the guidance and support she received during her education in the Seton Catholic Schools in Richmond, from pre-school through her high school graduation in 2017.

“I had a lot of support from my family and my teachers living their faith. When I played sports in high school, it was rare when the teachers weren’t at our games, even though most of them were away games, and most of the teachers had families that kept them busy, too,” says Westjohn who played volleyball, basketball and softball at Seton Catholic High School.

“There was so much support from everyone. I felt I could walk into anyone’s office, and they would help me in any way they could.”

She has continued to feel that support even after she graduated from college.

“I did not go to a Catholic college, and I fell away from my faith for a while,” she recalls. “Now, I’m back. When I go to church now, I see my teachers there. I go to church functions, and I see my teachers there. Being in that environment models for me how my faith is a huge part of my life and how I need to share my faith.

“I’ve found a great family of friends in my church. We’ve started a young adult ministry. Some of the people involved in that are my best friends. We share something huge in our lives. They have a drive to be a good, Christian person.”

So does Westjohn. That drive has motivated her in her work at Reid Memorial Hospital, where part of her experience has involved working on a psychiatric unit.

“There’s such a difference from when they first come in and when they leave,” she says. “It’s very rewarding to see that change and that difference—to help people get back on track.

“I’ve been in many situations that have challenged me, but I’ve always felt so at home with my work family. I’m a young nurse, very early in my career. It’s fantastic that we have such a great work family.”

She also finds herself relying on God in her work, in her life.

“I feel like I pray a lot at work,” she says. “I pray to God for strength for myself as well as for my patients and our staff. Hospitals aren’t places where people like to be, but we want to provide the best care for each individual. It’s extremely important to show other people the support you have for them.” †