In Memoriam
Miss Janet C. Hindson

Jefferson notes with deepest sadness the death of Miss Janet C. Hindson on March 9, 1998. The Jefferson family has sustained an extraordinary loss with the passing of this consummate nurse and extends sympathy to her family and friends.

Her colleagues and family members gathered at Jefferson to celebrate the more than 50 years that Jefferson had been blessed with Miss Hindson's presence. As a student and graduate of the Diploma School of Nursing and then as a member of the nursing staff at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Janet Hindson made an indelible impression on all who knew her. With respect, awe, humor and even fear, her impressive and tenacious commitment to fulfilling her nursing role with excellence was catalogued by clergy, nurses, administrators, physicians, employees and friends at her memorial service. Their comments stressed her discipline and service, humor, loyalty, the respect that she engendered, the love that she shared, and the love that Jeffersonians continue to feel for Janet Hindson.

A woman of strength and dignity, Janet C. Hindson brought to nursing an extraordinary sense of concern and caring for patients. Of her colleagues she demanded that each patient be treated as staff would want a member of their own family treated. She never lost sight of her role as caregiver and by her example made all who worked with her strive to achieve more.

Miss Hindson's pride in her role as a nurse was as apparent as the nursing cap she continued to wear on duty even after most nurses had abandoned the practice. Her cap was her signature ­ identifying her as a standard bearer for nearly one half century.

Perhaps Miss Hindson's most important legacy is the standard of excellence she set which will be carried on by Jeffersonians who take her challenge and continue her concern as they deliver care.

In her honor the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital Department of Nursing has established the Miss Janet C. Hindson Fund. The dual-purpose fund will establish the Miss Janet C. Hindson Award to recognize individuals whose work celebrates the caring and service to others that characterized Miss Hindson's life and who demonstrate in their lives steadfast caring for the most vulnerable in society by relieving suffering; respecting colleagues; and creating environments that enhance the physical, mental and spiritual comfort of others. The first recipient of this award is Madeline Ullom, RN. The fund will also support projects and programs which enhance the care and comfort of patients at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Inc. These programs and projects include efforts to promote patients' coping through education, environmental modifications and psychosocial supports. Please direct contributions in Miss Hindson's memory to: The Janet C. Hindson Memorial Fund, Thomas Jefferson University Development Office at 925 Chestnut Street, Suite 110, Philadelphia, PA 19107.