By Cain Madden

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — When The Dart landed on Pecan Way Friday, it found a long-time surgical nurse who had finally settled down. At least, she has settled on just part-time work.

While she was working full-time, Frances McManus was able to see Natchez Community Hospital built, be the first nurse hired for it, and she was there when the two hospitals converged under Merit Health at the former Natchez Regional Medical Center.

“I have lived in Natchez since 1956,” she said, having gone to school at Southern. “I worked at a nursing home for a little while until it (Natchez Community Hospital) opened.”

She still puts in the occasional day — mostly doing paperwork — but for the majority of the time, she’s enjoying retirement. Not that she’s slowed down much.

“We painted the inside of the house, and I’ve been doing some other things — I have a lot left to do,” she said. “I spend time in the garden, mostly, and I read a lot. Right now, I’m really proud of my begonias.

“People are surprised to see them blooming. I love to see them all winter.”

McManus started in the operating room in September 1973, and she was there to turn out the lights in November 2015 when the hospitals merged.

“I loved the work,” she said. “I must have — I stayed there for 42 years.

“I liked the people I worked with, and I loved taking care of the patients.”

The connection between the nurse and the patient going into surgery is crucial, she said.

“In surgery, they are kind of in a vulnerable situation,” McManus said. “The rapport you have with patients is very important. It makes the patient feel comfortable and secure.”

McManus said she enjoyed working to an age, which she didn’t wish to share, that many would have long retired by.

“I felt like it helped keep me young,” she said. “It was something to get up for. It just keeps you physically fit, as well as mentally sharp.”

And she was still doing the job well — McManus had been selected as nurse of the year as recently as 2008.

“Oh, I was honored,” she said about the award. “The hospital administration decides that.”

While she was working, McManus had also been active in her church, the Briarwood Church of Christ.

“For a long time, 20 years, I taught Bible class for the little kids,” she said. “They were such sweet kids.”

McManus said she had something to give not long into retirement when a stray cat started wandering near her house. The longtime caregiver decided that her days of helping others were not quite over.

“Baby girl keeps me busy and keeps me company,” McManus said. “Now I have a kitty to take care of. She’s a good kitty.

“She likes to roll in the dirt like a dog. I’ve never seen a cat do that.”

As for what she’s going to do in the future beyond taking care of Baby Girl, McManus is keeping an open mind.

“I’m not finished yet with the work on my house,” she said. “When that’s done, I guess we’ll see.”