By Nurse Joyce Barlow is among the first inductees into the Georgia Nurses Association’s Nurse’s Hall of Fame.
She has been recognized for her contributions to the healthcare industry for over 35 years. Barlow is one of ten Georgia nurses who have been selected for induction into the hall of fame.
She was inducted into the hall of fame for her success in explaining and delivering a message to legislators that resulted in a pay increase for community care providers.
“It is truly an honor because my entire nursing profession and my career has been about working and helping others not just in hospital or the clinical setting but outside of the clinical setting,” says Barlow.
When Barlow’s father was diagnosed with cancer, she became interested in nursing.
“My dad was really ill with cancer and as I conversed with the nurses, I realized this is something I really wanted to do it. Several of them shared with me, they were kind enough to take the time with a teenager and explained what nursing was. I listened to the nurses and I thought wow I really want to go into nursing,” says Barlow.
Barlow pursued her nursing dreams and attended Florida A&M University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
She soon relocated to Albany, where she worked as a Critical Care Nurse and Manager at Phoebe Putney Hospital for several years.
Barlow quickly established her own companies, and in 1984 she became the CEO/owner of Englewood Health Care in Albany, private duty and personal support service company.
Englewood Home Health and Hospice Systems, the first African American Medicare/Medicaid Certified Home Health and Hospice Agency in Southwest Georgia, was founded in 1991.
Barlow encourages aspiring nurses to never give up.
“It’s going to be hard, it is going to be a struggle, especially the times we are in right now but never give and always ask for help,” says Barlow.
