When patients and families share success stories about their experiences at Saint Peter’s Healthcare System, a recurring theme emerges: the exceptional, compassionate way they were treated by staff. According to hospital leadership, that “magic” ingredient comes down to a deeply rooted culture of dedication—a trait perfectly exemplified by three extraordinary employees who were recently recognized with Saint Peter’s Service Awards for reaching a staggering milestone: 50 years of service each.
For a half-century, these three professionals have witnessed the evolution of modern medicine firsthand, all while anchoring the New Brunswick community with a shared commitment to care.
For Ruth Bellan of Kendall Park, Saint Peter’s is much more than a workplace; it is the backdrop to her life’s biggest milestones. Originally starting as a part-time unit clerk in orthopedics after a friend told her about the opening, Bellan transferred to a full-time role in the nursery upon graduating from nursing school. Over the next 50 years, she met her husband at Saint Peter’s, delivered all three of her children at the hospital, and welcomed two of her grandchildren into the world there.
Reflecting on her five decades, Bellan is amazed by the leaps in medical technology. When she first started, nurses still used glass syringes and sharpened needles by hand.
“It’s been such a privilege to be part of the team in the nursery,” Bellan said. “If I had to describe the past 50 years in just a few words, I’d say it’s been a privilege and a joy.”
Thomas Lynch of East Brunswick first walked through the hospital’s doors as a student at Middlesex County College, completing 80 percent of his clinical radiology hours there. Upon graduation, he was officially hired and instantly “fell in love with Saint Peter’s.” The hospital also became a family affair; Lynch’s wife, Bonnie, worked in the intensive care unit for 43 years before her retirement.
Lynch has watched diagnostic imaging skyrocket in demand and efficiency. In 1983, the hospital performed roughly five CAT scans a day; today, technicians handle about six every single hour.
“To this day, when I wake up and think about coming here, it is something I feel so positive about; it makes me look forward to every day,” Lynch shared. “Over the years, I’ve worked per diem at other places, but Saint Peter’s has always been my home.”
Joanne Augimeri of Helmetta attributes her 50-year career in the operating room to pure “fate.” She originally visited Saint Peter’s just to accompany her mother, who was applying for a job in the business office. Though Augimeri already had plans to start at a different hospital, she decided on a whim to submit an application for an open role in the OR. While her mother didn’t get the position, Joanne did—and she never looked back.
Augimeri has navigated tremendous technological shifts in the OR, transitioning from traditional open surgeries to advanced laparoscopic and robotic-assisted procedures. She credits her longevity to the deep bonds forged with her colleagues.
“It’s a great place to work,” Augimeri said. “I’ve learned so much from my fellow colleagues and we found connection through shared values, so much so that it feels more like a family than a job.”
In an era where the average term of employment across all industries continues to shrink, the multi-decade retention at Saint Peter’s highlights a unique workplace culture.
“For nearly 120 years, we’ve been a cornerstone of the New Brunswick and greater Middlesex County community, saving lives, healing the sick and infirmed, and bringing new life into the world,” Les Hirsch, president and CEO of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System said. “But what really sets us apart is the ‘magic’ of Saint Peter’s: the unwavering compassion of our dedicated staff! Their shared commitment to our Catholic mission of service and the friendships that have developed… is why Saint Peter’s has many employees with decades of service.”
