When she first started in 1966, humans had yet to walk on the moon, President Lyndon Johnson had just signed the bill that created Medicare and babies were delivered on the island. CT scanners had yet to be patented, heart transplants were years away and Avalon's hospital was half the size it is today.

Fresh from nursing school, she was looking for a change from her job at Harbor General in Torrance when she happened across a help wanted ad in the Los Angeles Times. A 12-bed hospital in Avalon was looking for a nurse. Intrigued with the idea, she applied and a career was born that would span generations, inspire her co-workers and provide compassionate care for thousands of island patients.

"I first started working with Jo 40 years ago when I was a candy striper in 1968," said Family Nurse Practitioner Karla Parsons. "Jo was always thoughtful and patient with my questions."

Inspired to continue on to a career in medicine, Parsons first got her medical assistant certificate, her nursing credential and later became a nurse practitioner, each time returning to Avalon to work side by side with Swett. "I saw through both Jo and my mom that caring and compassion comes from the heart and is not a learned trait, but a gift," she said. "I am grateful and privileged to have known and learned from Jo - she has been a blessing to me as to countless others and I will always hold her in the highest regard."

Parsons isn't the only one impressed with Swett's caring and professionalism - and her longevity in the profession.

Nurse Rita Whitaker has always enjoyed her stories about her many years working in Avalon, including the times she would take newborn babies on her rounds to care for other patients.

"I was always impressed with the warm and caring attitude she gave all her patients: always a kind word, little joke or wonderful smile," Whitaker said. "In the many years that Jo's career spanned, she shared many happy moments with residents of Avalon and also treated many others who spent their last days in her care with warmth and respect."

For the last several years Jo Swett has served as Catalina Island Medical Center's Home Health Nurse, visiting patients who may be recovering from an illness or injury. She has also been on call in case of emergencies at the medical center and has worked one shift a week at the hospital.

Staff Nurse Richard Kleinman has worked the night shift at CIMC for the last 10 years and frequently had to make the call to summon Swett to the hospital in the wee hours of the morning. "It isn't always an easy gig, but Jo Swett, whether it was 9 p.m. or 2 a.m. or 5 a.m. was there in minutes, always ready to do whatever was needed," Kleinman said.

Whether it was a critical patient in need of a med-evac, a baby to be born or a shoulder to be relocated, Kleinman always knew he would be able to count on CIMC's most experienced nurse. "I probably had to call her more than any other nurse and I must thank her for her assistance to me and the patient in her care and her years of service to Avalon and Catalina Island," he said. "She is a treasure and will be missed."

Doreen Macktal, CIMC's chief of patient care, is organizing a community party in Swett's honor. "We've been blessed to have Jo as a member of our nursing staff," she said. "She's been a wonderful mentor to all of us and a great asset to our patient care team."

Community members wishing to congratulate Jo Swett on her years of service and wish her well in her retirement can join the Catalina Island Medical Center staff from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 17 at The Landing.

For more information visit www.CatalinaIslandMedicalCenter.org