“Born to Care”: Charlene Cohen's 45-Year Nursing Journey at HealthAlliance

Charlene Cohen didn't choose nursing—nursing chose her. Growing up in the idyllic town of Woodstock, NY, she nurtured her natural caregiving instincts by tending to injured animals and her three younger brothers' inevitable scrapes and bruises.

"It’s simply who I was," 71-year-old Cohen reflects. "Some people are born to teach, others to build. I was born to care."

Charlene Cohen speaking at the Milestone Achievement Awards Ceremony at HealthAlliance Hospital 

This passion led her to the former Benedictine Hospital (now HealthAlliance Hospital) in 1978 as a nurse's aide. A year later, she became a registered nurse, embarking on a 45-year journey spanning healthcare's most transformative eras.

Over the course of her career, Cohen witnessed the advent of laparoscopic surgery, the rise of patient-centered care and the heightened emphasis on end-of-life choices. Yet, amidst these seismic shifts, her commitment to compassionate care has remained the cornerstone of her practice.

A Community of Caring

Cohen fondly remembers the camaraderie of her early days at Benedictine. "Just last night," she shares, "I attended a 70th birthday party for a retired wound care nurse. More than a hundred nurses showed up! It's evidence of the enduring strength of our community."

This tight-knit bond extended beyond the hospital walls. Nurses support one another, raise funds and volunteer for community events—Cohen herself spearheaded a hugely popular health and technology camp for local youth. 

A New Era of Leadership

Reflecting on the hospital's evolution, Cohen expresses optimism about the future under CEO Josh Ratner's leadership.

"Josh is a true advocate for the staff," she says. "He's present, he listens and he genuinely cares about what we need. His authentic connection brings a new energy to the hospital."

A Passion That Endures

After four and a half decades, Cohen's passion for nursing burns as brightly as ever. She keeps pace with nurses decades younger and has no intention of slowing down.

For Cohen, nursing isn't just a job, it's a calling. It's about meeting patients where they are, listening intently and providing the care they truly need—physically, emotionally and spiritually.

"Sometimes," she says, "it's not about what we think is best, but what they need in that moment. That's the most important lesson I've learned."