Caring in a Better Way: Dorothy “Tooter” Shelton

At NHC, we know that none of the care we provide would be possible without our excellent team of nurses. We’re so grateful to each and every nurse for their commitment to serving their patients and fellow partners.

In honor of National Nurses Month, we’re excited to highlight the story of one person who truly exemplifies what it means to “care in a better way, day by day.” Dorothy “Tooter” Shelton is NHC’s longest tenured, currently working nurse, and she’s dedicated the past 41 years to providing the highest quality of care for her patients at NHC Lewisburg.

Tooter started working as a tech, and then used NHC’s tuition reimbursement to go to nursing school and complete her LPN. She’s beloved by her team and her patients, and many patients even request her when they first admit to the center.

“I had the honor of working with Tooter for 18 years at NHC Lewisburg.  Her dedication and compassion for her patients, families, and partners is second to none,” shared Regional Administrator Scott Bidwell. “She has positively impacted thousands of patient and partner lives over the years.”

When asked to describe her, Tooter’s fellow partners talked about the way she welcomes and treats everyone like family. They share that she loves to smile and joke, and she’s great at making other people smile.

“I was a CNA under Tooter and continued as a fellow nurse, and then ADON. She is an exemplary nurse and mentor,” Regional Nurse Tina Groenveld recalled. “It is an honor to have worked with Tooter for many years. She is a blessing to NHC, and she has touched countless lives of patients, families, and partners.”

Tooter has also inspired many other people to go to nursing school, and she’s even cared for some of her former co-workers when they later became patients.

“I would definitely request for her to be my nurse if needed,” shared NHC Lewisburg Administrator Derrick Scott. “She puts her heart into everything that she does no matter what.  We are all better for knowing her and blessed to have her on our team.  She is NHC Lewisburg!”