Dorothy Hope (Johnson) Reid, MBA, RN, NP, COHN-S, CIH, CCM

11/30/1931 - 4/19/2003

A Distinguished Nursing Career

Dorothy Hope Reid was a presence and a force that touched lives in many positive ways: encouraging, teaching, mentoring, nurturing and when needed, delivering a valuable nudge toward something bigger and better. Dorothy challenged us to be our best through her example of professional nursing leadership and her drive to be her best while instilling confidence in others to find their potential as well. 

Her personal quest for educational excellence brought her to Regis College in 1953, where she graduated with honors, receiving a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a major in Chemistry. In 1982 she received an MBA in Organizational Behavior from Suffolk University in Boston. Dorothy acquired a Nursing Degree in 1985 and was licensed to practice in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine. She became a Nurse Practitioner in 1998 through Simmons College.

Dorothy’s dream in life was to be a success at whatever she did – a devotion that was demonstrated in her life-long commitment to learning and to excellence in the health care profession. She earned the respect and admiration of everyone she encountered, whether in the work place, in educational facilities or with her family. At an early age she decided that the medical world was for her. Having a blind mother made her more understanding and tolerant of those with afflictions, whether permanent or temporary. A particular focus that became most important to her was that of health and safety. She not only practiced this in her every-day life, but taught or assisted in the teaching of numerous health and safety classes, providing lectures and developing health and safety curricula that is currently being used at colleges and universities today. 

From Brandies University in Waltham to Arthur D. Little in Cambridge and then New England Nuclear/DuPont Pharmaceuticals/ Bristol-Meyers Squibb, out of Billerica, MA., Dorothy transitioned through the changes and for 32 years, gave 150% of herself to her job, the company, and her employees and to learning. Whether giving advice, a physical exam, a flu shot, an aspirin, or a hug, you could always count on her personal concern and ability to treat you and your situation as a priority, and she always diligently researched medical conditions to make sure she was up to date with the latest findings before giving any counsel.

Dorothy’s journey in nursing was never ceasing. She was always taking one class or another which created an aura of learning about her that was both nurturing to those thinking about furthering their own careers, and that required the nurture of those around her to help realize her goals.  Dorothy’s initiative and devotion to professional nursing development resulted in her creation of an Occupational Health Nursing Certification preparation course to mentor nurses toward Occupational Health Nursing board certification- a process that advances and recognizes the skills, knowledge and abilities of the Occupational Health Nurse.

While serving on the Board of Directors for the Boston Archdiocese, through the late 80’s and early 90’s, she aided in the strategic planning of budgets and curriculum, and the allocation of funding for Boston College High along with 15 other High School properties and Boston College University.  Her dedication to education made this challenge an easy one for Dorothy. In her opinion, no one  was too young or too old to appreciate education and the professional and personal rewards that an education can give you.

Dorothy’s devotion to occupational health and safety and to education were realized through her involvement and participation with a wide variety of organizations, colleges, universities and work places, including:

• Harvard University lectures on Environmental Health and Safety in 2000;
• Member of Board of Directors, Massachusetts Safety Council;
• Lectures at Digital on Workmen’s Compensation, which resulted in program implementation that saved Digital over 1 million dollars;
• American Red Cross Blood drives in Lowell and elsewhere;
• mentor for Middlesex Community College in Lowell, MA as well as Northern Essex Community College in Haverhill;
• Donation of books and supplies to the new science building at Regis College;
• Lectures at Regis College;
• teaching CPR classes to all ages;
• teaching health and safety programs for employee groups;
• teaching health and safety to groups of Brownies and Girl Scouts.

Dorothy was a certified Case Manager, a Certified Occupational Health Nurse Specialist (COHN-S), and Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH). She served two terms as President of the North of Boston Association of Occupational Health Nurses, and was secretary of the Massachusetts Association of Occupational Health Nurses and on the Nursing Advisory Board of Middlesex Community College.  She was a member of the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses from 1993 to 2003; the American Industrial Hygiene Association; the National Safety Council. Dorothy was the manager of the Occupational Health Services Office at Bristol Myers Squibb. She held various industrial and occupational health positions during her 32 year tenure.

Dorothy Reid died April 19, 2003, in Winchester, MA, after suffering breast cancer.