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For Three Generations of Nurses in One Family, Graduation is Special


Frances Samhammer (l-r), Kaitlyn Samhammer and Kathy Samhammer - three generations of nurses.

The Samhammer family knows nursing.

First there was “Nana,” Frances Samhammer, now 93, who raised a “ton” of kids (7 total), then in her 40s pursued a dream she held since she was a little girl – to become a registered nurse.

Then there was Mom, Kathy Samhammer, who after three C-sections while having children decided she’d like to be a nurse.

Now, along with a graduating class of about 100, Kaitlyn Samhammer, 25, has become the newest nurse in the family. “I’ve always been around nursing and seeing how they care for other people,” Kaitlyn says, gesturing toward her mom and grandmother. “It just made me want to be better and care for others, too.”

Several graduates gather for a group photo.

To be exact, there were 99 graduates who qualified to take part in the fall, 2019 pinning ceremony for newly minted nurses who completed Salt Lake Community College’s associate degree program. Many more started the rigorous program, noted Tana Marchbanks, interim associate dean of nursing at SLCC, but not everyone made it through. “These are the 99 who lasted,” Marchbanks told a large crowd of family and friends inside Bruin Arena on the Taylorsville Redwood Campus. “These are the 99 who endured. There are many more years of effort and dedication ahead than just this two-year degree.”

Kathy Samhammer told her daughter during school that nursing is hard, but that it’s “well worth it.” Kathy worked for 15 years as a nurse, focusing on labor and delivery. “It’s a great career, and I think it’s very rewarding,” she said. “I think it fulfills your life – it really does.”

Frances Samhammer also had a son who became a nurse, working in the emergency room. She and Kathy agree that, regardless of what kind of nursing people go into, the adrenaline rush is a big reason nurses love their jobs. “I absolutely loved going to work,” Fances said. “I kind of liked the excitement.” And she’s excited for her granddaughter. “I know she will be a great nurse. She is very special. This really is a great day.”


Family and friends look on as graduates are honored.

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