The University of West Georgia is preparing to say goodbye to one of its beloved nurses. Denise A. Parham will be retiring Jan. 1, 2015. Parham has been working at UWG for 20 years, all while inspiring and changing lives of young women.
“I love providing health care and teaching the females,” Parham said. “I love watching them blossom and grow beyond the challenges and setbacks that they face along this journey called life.”
She graduated from Grady Memorial Hospital’s School of Nursing in 1975. She later attended the Nursing Practitioner Program at Emory Training Center OB/GYN. Parham began her career as a Registered Nurse nearly 40 years ago and has been a Nurse Practitioner for 23 years. After working at various hospitals, Parham began to call UWG home in 1994, serving as the Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified. From a young age she knew she wanted to provide care for others.
“At the age of seven, I knew that I wanted to be a nurse, get married, and have children,” said Parham. “My mother took me with her to care for my sick great uncle. That experience helped me begin to find the joy and fulfillment in realizing my calling and purpose in life.”
All nurses want to make a difference in their patients’ lives, and Parham is no different. She strives to be an advocate for anyone who steps foot in her door. Not only does she provide medical advice, but she makes her patients feel comfortable and at home. She adds a motherly touch to the Health Center.
“I strive to instill in females to see the best in themselves, realize how special they are, and realize their true purpose in life,” said Parham. “My daily goal is to reach at least one individual to encourage, inspire, and render a special need in their life.”
Over that past two decades, UWG has experienced several modifications that have challenged Parham. Through all the changes she has seen, she still found a way to love her career.
With her retirement quickly approaching, Parham will always cherish her time here at UWG. The joy her patients have brought her will not soon be forgotten, and her co-workers have become her second family.
“l will miss the interaction with the students especially the females, who I affectionately call ‘my babies,’ and the joy they bring to me on a daily basis,” said Parham.
Even though she is no longer be at UWG she will continue to provide care through future mission trips.
“I will continue in my calling as a mentor; inspiring and encouraging young women on their journey to reach their purpose in life while teaching them safe, healthy, positive, and productive lifestyles,” Parham said.
Denise is a wonderful asset to the university. She will be greatly missed at Health Services! Best wishes on her new endeavors.
Congratulations on your retirement. Your journey has just begun.