Published Monday, Feb. 8, 1999 
By Jennifer HallWith her four-year degree in hand, she planned to get experience as a nurse with Sharon Regional Health System and then move on. More than 16 years later, the Farrell woman continues to make her way through the ranks at the hospital.
"I've had job satisfaction," the 38-year-old woman said. "Many people leave here in search of that, but it's something I know. I've had a lot of opportunities."
Ms. James was promoted to nursing supervisor within two years of starting at the hospital. With that promotion she became the hospital's first African-American nursing supervisor, overseeing the midnight and afternoon shifts.
"It was a big responsibility for someone who was 24 at the time," she said. "I was a little nervous at first, but I prayed about it and thought I would give it a try."
A three-month trial turned into years.
"It was nice because many of the African-American ministers would come into the hospital and find out I was the supervisor and it made them feel good," she said. "It was interesting to watch the reactions of some people when they would ask for a supervisor and this young black woman approached. But I carried myself and worked in a professional manner to resolve their issues."
Ms. James has served as head of oncology nurses and finally as director of the Cancer Care Center. The patients make the center, she said, adding that some of the nurses have been with her at the center from the start -- about 12 years.
"We're a family," she said. "When I pray I don't ask for more patients, but I hope that we grow in the services we provide. We do a lot more around here with genuine laughter, love and kisses than with tears."
And that family feeling would not be available at a larger, metropolitan hospital, Ms. James believes.
"People approach me at the store and say, 'That's my nurse'," she said. "Now that's rewarding and you wouldn't get that in a cold city."
Ms. James realizes that she's a role model and takes it seriously -- not just for the young.
"I tell people, even 50-year-olds, that focus on the next three years of your life through education and you could set yourself for the next 30," she said. "For those over 50, you can improve at least the next 15 years."
Ms. James said she tries to share encouraging words with everyone by sharing the good things she finds in life.
Ms. James lived in Hermitage for 10 years after returning to the area, but has moved back to Farrell, where she grew up.
"I realize that the community needs people to be active," she said. "My mother told me that I would be expected to take on these roles. You have to put back into your community."
Ms. James returned to Farrell because she said she felt she could have a positive effect on the community.
"I would have more of an impact and my vote will have more of an impact," she said.
