6 HEART BEAT SPRING 2021
Elaine Couture has worked
in Catholic health care nearly
her entire career. From a
candy striper to an executive,
Elaine's path has been led by
her desire to serve. With a
spring retirement, we asked
Elaine to reflect on her
career and her hopes
for Providence.
You Asked
Q
A
and
Looking back on 43 years in health
care, how did you first
become
interested in this work?
As a young kid, I was always mesmerized by how
the body worked. If a trauma occurred on the
playground, I'd run toward it, not away from it.
And when my family lived in Chicago, I babysat
for a nurse who encouraged me to pursue a
career in health care. I began as a candy striper
at a Catholic facility and then became a nurse's
aide during high school. I loved every minute of
it. So, I went to Montana State University for my
nursing degree and I've never looked back.
The Sisters of Providence were some
of the earliest female health care
leaders in the country. How have
their words and teachings guided
you in your leadership?
The Sisters have always
been our teachers. I
was honored to be the
first lay woman to lead
at Providence Sacred
Heart Medical Center in
Spokane. And I've always
thought of the Sisters,
especially in times of
tough decision making.
They taught me that
no matter what, we are
a ministry first, not a
business. We are here to
serve.
They taught me that
words matter. Sr. Rosalie
Locati told me that many
years ago and I've never
forgotten it.
They taught me to be thankful for our
resources. The Sisters worked in the times
of Cholera and they had so little, but they
continued to serve selflessly.
They taught me to not take myself too seriously.
It's OK to laugh and have fun and be yourself.
And they taught me that we are all important to
the bigger picture. This isn't about one person. I'm
a small part of this beautiful tapestry. And it's time
to pass the baton to our next group of leaders.
Elaine standing with the statue of Mother Joseph
located in the United States Capitol Visitor
Center's Emancipation Hall, in Washington, D.C.
