Jo Curtiss has devoted a half-century to the hospital’s tiniest patients; her work as a pet therapy volunteer will continue.
By Maureen Gilmer, Riley Children’s Health senior writer, mgilmer1@iuhealth.org
In 1976, the United States celebrated its bicentennial, Jimmy Carter was elected president, Apple Computer Co. was founded, and “Rocky” debuted on film screens.
It’s also the year Jo Curtiss started her career as a NICU nurse at Riley Hospital for Children.
Curtiss still remembers that first day in the NICU 50 years ago: “I was scared to death.”
She marvels at the long and fulfilling career she’s had at Riley as she prepares to retire June 28, her 50-year anniversary.
“It’s bittersweet,” she said. “I’m ready to retire, but it’s not like I’ll be leaving Riley forever. “I’ll still be doing pet therapy.”
That’s right. In addition to caring for babies in the Simon Family Tower NICU, Curtiss has been a pet therapy volunteer at the hospital for more than a decade.
Her first therapy dog was Murphy, who lived until 2021, then she adopted and helped train Wrigley, who accompanies her to visit patients and team members at Riley, IU Health Methodist and University hospitals, as well as hospice patients in nursing homes and kids with special needs at camps.
Curtiss, who says she knew she wanted to be a nurse from the time she was a little girl, has raised two daughters, one a former NICU nurse herself who now works as a hospice nurse. She has one grandchild.
A half-century ago, extremely premature infants did not survive like they do today, she said, so the patient population was not as acute.
“Back then, we had a lot of what they called the preemie growers,” she said. “Babies would come to us from other hospitals who were premature but mostly had to grow. The really sick ones didn’t survive.”
Advances in medicine and technology have improved survival rates, thus demanding more skilled care, and the nursing profession has risen to the challenge.
Laura Smith, manager of clinical operations for the SFT NICU, said she can’t imagine the unit without Curtiss.
“She has been far more than a nurse – she’s been a teacher, an expert, a source of comfort and a fixture on this unit for generations of patients, families and staff,” Smith said. “Her dedication, compassion and unwavering commitment have shaped the culture of our NICU in ways that will continue long after her retirement.”
As much as Riley has meant to Curtiss over the years, Smith said the nurse has meant even more to the NICU.
“The lives she has touched and the legacy she has built are immeasurable. We look forward to the occasional Wrigley sighting in the halls and the chance to catch up with one of the people who helped make this NICU what it is today.”
A reception for Curtiss will be held on her last day in the NICU, June 28.
Submitted photos and file photos by Mike Dickbernd, IU Health visual journalist, mdickbernd@iuhealth.org
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