LOUISVILLE, Ky. — As the nation celebrates, “National Nurses Day,” Spectrum News 1 would like to share the story of Tabatha Wright. 

The ICU Nurse Manager at Norton Women and Children’s Hospital has an inspiring 21-year-career that began even farther back. 

“I started as a housekeeper at Central State Hospital when I was 18-years-old,” Wright said. “And one of the security guards stopped me and saw my interaction with patients and felt I had a really good connection with the patients,” Wright adds. 

From a licensed practical nurse to a registered nurse, Wright earned her degrees and moved up through the ranks and she did so while raising two children on her own. 

“I worked a lot...as a single parent, there were a lot of things I needed to get done,” Wright recalls. “I think they understand the drive and why I was doing what I was doing and they see the gratification that I get from being able to serve others.” 

It’s not surprising Wright’s oldest child Thomas, is interested in becoming a surgical tech and her daughter is pursuing her nursing career. 

For the last four years, Wright has been the ICU Nurse Manager at Norton Children’s Hospital. 

“It’s really about being there and supporting the team now. I want to make sure my team feels nurtured and supported and I'm able to help them get through the challenges of our job and also help celebrate the wins with them. The Louisville native says she’s reminded every day why nursing was the right career choice for her.