These Children’s of Alabama employees are making a big difference—5,000 transports + more

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Mark Rogers, flight nurse at Children's of Alabama
Mark Rogers, Flight Nurse (Children’s of Alabama)

Whether they’re working directly with kids or with colleagues on the floor, Children’s of Alabama employees make a major impact.

I’ve seen this firsthand, through employees like Mark Rogers and Ophelia Nichols, who have a combined 86 years of service to Children’s.

Why have Mark and Ophelia stayed at this local hospital through all these years? Keep reading to find out.

Mark Rogers is the first Children’s flight nurse to reach 5,000 transports

Mark Rogers, flight nurse at Children's of Alabama
Mark has worked at Children’s for 30 years. (Children’s of Alabama)

Mark Rogers started in the EMS field more than 30 years ago, driving for the transport team at Children’s of Alabama. He was inspired by the incredible work of nurses during ambulance emergencies and was called to the job.

“I drove for our critical care transport team and quickly realized, ‘Hey, what are the guys doing in the back? That’s pretty neat.’ That’s when I went to pursue a nursing career.

My first job was here at Children’s and I’ve been here ever since.”

Mark Rogers, Registered Flight Nurse, Children’s of Alabama

Now, Mark is a full-time Flight Nurse and is still going strong with the Children’s team three decades later.

Mark Rogers, flight nurse at Children's of Alabama
The transport team at Children’s saves lives every day in Birmingham. (Children’s of Alabama)

“You see the surgeon standing in the door waiting for you to arrive and the surgical team moves in.

Then a year later, the mom sends a birthday invitation of the child, and you see his cardiac surgery scar on his chest and he’s happy and healthy.

Those are the ones that make it all worth it.”

Mark Rogers, Registered Flight Nurse, Children’s of Alabama

Fun fact: In June, Mark completed his 5,000th transport, making him the first Children’s of Alabama nurse to achieve the honor!

Ophelia Nichols has worked at Children’s of Alabama since 1968

Ophelia Nichols, dental assistant at Children's of Alabama
Ophelia Nichols, Dental Assistant (Children’s of Alabama)

Ophelia Nichols’ 56-year career at Children’s has been worth it, thanks to the support and friendliness of her fellow staff members.

“Everyone in the dental clinic is just nice. Everyone is like family.”

Ophelia Nichols, Dental Assistant, Children’s of Alabama

Ophelia says she loves meeting people, whether residents in the department or new families.

Ophelia Nichols has always brought a smile to kids and families. (Children's of Alabama)
Ophelia Nichols has always brought a smile to kids and families. (Children’s of Alabama)

“I always say, ‘do unto others what you want done to you.’

It doesn’t take much to be nice. If you get along with people, you can make it.”

Ophelia Nichols, Dental Assistant, Children’s of Alabama

Mark and Ophelia are two of many Children’s employees who are making a huge difference for families across Alabama.

Join the culture of Children’s of Alabama.

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