Alumni on the Frontlines - Anitra Stevens
Central Catholic alumni work in a great variety of professions, so it comes as no surprise that many have been working on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic. We have spoken to several nurses who work directly with affected patients to learn about their experiences during this difficult time.
Anitra Stevens ’93 is a charge nurse at St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor Hospital. Her unit was a cardiac step-down and cardiac ICU, but it was converted to a COVID-19 unit. As a charge nurse, Anitra is responsible for the care of patients and staff. She assists and mentors her co-workers, staffs the unit, and oversees the unit on the night shift.
“It has been difficult because it’s hard to see people suffer,” she said. “Although we have some knowledge about this virus, there is so much we don’t know.”
Anitra said she and her co-workers have been afraid that they could bring the virus home to their families, and that she has been pretty isolated from her family during this time. “But this is the work God has called me to do. I trust he will protect me and my family, but it is hard.”
During her time at Central Catholic, Anitra was a member of the Gospel Choir. She feels that the teachers were very encouraging, particularly Mrs. Charlotte Best, and that they prepared her well academically to be successful in her career.
Anitra went on to earn her associate’s degree in nursing from Washtenaw Community College, a BSN from Chamberlain University, and a BA in human resources from Concordia University.