Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
Why stay at one job for 46 years? Learn how one decision led to a successful career in Birmingham
Reading time: 3 minutes
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In the summer of 1980, Birmingham’s Monalisa Hardy Rose was stepping into her first full-time job at Children’s of Alabama. Now, Monalisa is managing the same department she started in! People ask her about retirement plans, and she always responds, “It’s not happening anytime soon.”
We spoke with Monalisa about her job, why she loves it and why she’s stayed for so long. Keep reading for her story, and a special celebration for the hospital’s 115th birthday.
Meet Monalisa: A Birmingham native + longtime Children’s employee
As a 19-year-old recent student, Monalisa worked at a summer program with the Jefferson County Committee for Economic Opportunity (JCCEO). Through this, she was able to join Children’s of Alabama as a summer intern in the Health Information Management (HIM) Department.
Monalisa started in June of 1980, and by August, she had a full-time job offer. And 46 years later, Monalisa is still in the HIM Department, managing a team of 13 and overseeing all the behind-the-scenes tasks: ensuring doctors sign documentation and the hospital meets all its requirements.
Why stay at one job for 46 years?
So, what is it about Children’s—or about this job specifically—that has made Monalisa stay for her entire career?
“I tell people all the time that I still love working here. I enjoy working with children. I enjoy the atmosphere. They’ve been supportive of me for a long time—through good and bad times.
A lot of people are waiting for me to retire, but it’s not happening anytime soon.”
Monalisa Hardy Rose, Health Information Management Department Manager, Children’s of Alabama
Families across Alabama and the Southeast regularly depend on Children’s, so it’s a big job to take care of our state’s littlest patients. It’s named among the best children’s hospitals in the nation for a reason!
But Children’s is not just a great place for patients, it’s a great place to work, too. And Monalisa is a testament to that.
“I’m excited to celebrate so many years of being a part of Children’s. I’ve had the opportunity to do so many things: work with patients, lead tours of the hospital and give orientations.
It’s great to still be here and see how we’ve progressed over the years.”
Monalisa Hardy Rose, Health Information Management Department Manager, Children’s of Alabama
There are plenty of other career opportunities at Children’s. Check out open jobs.
Happy 115th birthday, Children’s of Alabama!
Children’s turned 115 this month! Each year, the hospital hosts an annual statewide event to honor patients, families, community partners and staff who make it a place of hope and healing.
“This is the place to be, and a place to stay. When I finally retire, I want to make sure I leave Children’s in good hands.”
Monalisa Hardy Rose, Health Information Management Department Manager, Children’s of Alabama
Find more ways to celebrate and support kids and families at Children’s of Alabama.
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