Machu concludes 52-year career at hospital
When it comes to Taylor’s largest medical facility, whether it was named John’s Community Hospital or Baylor Scott & White-Taylor, there’s usually one name people think of – Bonnie Machu.
Last month, Machu rode off into the sunset after 52 years of service at the hospital. Although she’s retired, Machu is maintaining her nursing license just in case.
“Right now, I’m retired,” she said. “But in order to keep your nursing license, I’m doing my continued education. I’m going to keep my license active.”
Machu, 81, finished her career as a surgical nurse, but she started as a labor and delivery nurse at the former John’s Community Hospital.
When the hospital shut down that department in 1988, Machu transferred to the surgical ward. She considered retirement in 1997 because of health problems but changed her mind after a month on the sideline.
“I had heart problems and needed surgery,” Machu said. “After a month of rehabilitation, I decided to keep working.”
And the octogenarian did that ever since – without any repercussions from heart disease.
Now that Machu is not working, she and her husband, Howard, have a new hobby – travel.
“We went to Miami. The beautiful water and lovely beaches are there, but the traffic is horrendous,” she said. “We also went to Missouri for my 64th anniversary. Branson has wonderful shows. They also recreate biblical stories and ‘David’ is in progress. It’s very inspirational.”
The couple celebrated 64 years of marriage May 19. They have two children – daughters Paula and Lori – both of whom are married and have two offspring of their own.
Each of the couple’s four grandchildren also has two children. This gives them two children, four children and eight great-grandchildren.
“We enjoy travel and there are plenty of places in the U.S. worth traveling to. I have grandchildren and great-grandchildren who I can visit and there’s a lot of ball games to attend,” Machu said. “We love Colorado, New York and Canada. I don’t know if we’ll try Canada again.”
Machu said she and Howard also plan to visit Texas hotspots such as Big Bend National Park in far West Texas and Port Aransas on the Gulf of Mexico.
Still, even during the slower scheduled afforded by retirement, there are times when Machu’s natural alarm clock still goes off.
“When you’re accustomed to wake up in the morning, you still get up early. It’s nice not having to get up and go to work,” she said. “It’s also nice to have leisure time with the family. I’ve been to doctor appointments and am slowing down with some of the activities.”
Having been in nursing for more than five decades, a lot has changed in medicine during that time, including the faces Machu saw on a daily basis. She appreciates the people she worked with over the years.
“I worked with wonderful managers like Darlene Harvey and a great team of nurses. We have a lot of outstanding comments from patients who have been through the hospital,” Machu said. “And I can still work as long as I have my license and will participate in continuing education. I don’t anticipate returning to work, but it’s good to have.”
At the moment, Machu is going to enjoy waking up and not having to get ready to go to work.
She has this advice for other retirees.
“You have to be active both mentally and physically,” she said. “I try to stay as active as possible. God is good.”
