Naomi Judd Began as a Registered Nurse

This fall in Phoenix, registered nurses hired by John C. Lincoln Hospitals will have a unique opportunity to be part of a once-in-a-lifetime event with country music legend Naomi Judd when she comes to Phoenix Oct. 12 to share her homespun wit and hard-earned wisdom.

Return of a Registered Nurse

According to the hospital's website, John C. Lincoln's newest nurses will be invited to join a private studio audience for an international webcast featuring the Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter, actress, author - and, yes, former nurse.

"Naomi Judd is a natural choice to speak to our nurses," said Sue Hanauer, vice president for Patient Care Services at John C. Lincoln. "She knows their world; she's been there."

In May, Grand Canyon University in Arizona awarded Judd with a rather unique double doctorate degree in performing arts and nursing.

Naomi Judd, the Nurse

When that award was granted, Brent Richardson, Grand Canyon University's chief executive, said no one would have predicted that Judd was destined for stardom. She was already in her late twenties, a single mother, on welfare, and without health insurance.

"Naomi made the choice to overcome the obstacles that life and her own choices had set in her path," Richardson said.

After earning a registered nursing degree, Judd went on to become a famous country music star.

"I learned more about myself by being an RN than anything else I've ever done," Judd said.

Mother of Wynonna and Ashley Judd

During her days as a registerd nurse, Naomi pulled herself out of an abusive relationship, went on welfare, and worked as an ICU nurse to support her children. Those now-famous daughters, singer Wynonna and actress Ashley, reaped the benefits of being raised by a mom who relied on her religious faith, her sense of humor, and a belief that "a dead end street is a good place to turn around."

Nursing Webcast for All

After her presentation, Naomi and a panel of nurses will field questions from both the studio audience and from Web viewers worldwide via e-mail.

Sources: Business Journal Of Phoenix