by Thelma R. Serry, BSN, RN, NE-BC - A NOVA Past President and Nurse Emeritus

“A Lifelong Calling”

Florence Jones-Clarke, MS, BSN

NOVA Nurse Emeritus Member, Florence Jones-Clarke has been a nurse for more than 50 years. She received her BSN from North Carolina A&T State University and an MS in Gerontology and Health Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Her nursing career started at Petersburg General Hospital in Petersburg, Virginia where she worked for 2 ½ years as a staff nurse. In 1967, Florence was hired for their Diploma Nursing Program as the first African American Instructor. She then worked for the American Red Cross serving Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, and Europe. Upon her return from Europe, she joined SouthSide Regional Medical Center and later worked at VCU/Medical College of Virginia Hospital. 

In 1984, Ms. Jones-Clarke joined the VA Hunter Holmes McGuire VAMC in Richmond, Virginia where she excelled from Clinical Nurse Coordinator to the position of Interim Associate Chief Nurse of Geriatrics. After working at McGuire, she obtained a position with the Office of the Medical Inspector in Washington, DC where she was a Clinical Program Manager until her retirement in 2006.  

For several years, Ms. Jones-Clarke also worked part-time as a clinical instructor at Virginia State University (VSU). She has been a mentor and coach for hundreds of nurses throughout her nursing career.  

 

Ms. Jones-Clarke has been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades. These recognitions include the Virginia Nurses Association/Virginia Nurses Foundation Nancy Vance Award for prestigious service to the nursing community and the March of Dimes Nurse of the Year Award.

Ms. Jones-Clarke is a member of First Baptist Church in Petersburg and is the President of the Health & Wellness Committee, Program Coordinator, and member of the women’s day and Veteran committees.

Thank you, Ms. Jones-Clarke for your service.