A Legacy of Compassion: Carolyn Benjamin’s Impact on Nursing and Community

As Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center celebrates Black History Month, we take this time to spotlight individuals who have made lasting impacts on our community and healthcare. This month, we honor the remarkable contributions of Carolyn Benjamin, a retired Licensed Practical Nurse whose compassion and dedication have profoundly shaped both our hospital and the Hartsville community. Over four decades of service, Carolyn’s journey has been one of perseverance, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to patient care, making her an integral part of our legacy.

Carolyn’s career in nursing began in 1965 as a nursing assistant. Encouraged by the nurses she worked alongside, she took the next step and became an LPN in 1967, completing her studies through Hartsville High’s vocational course under the guidance of Gail Grainger. From the very beginning, she knew she had found her purpose.

“I loved taking care of my patients,” Carolyn said. “It wasn’t just a job - it was a joy to help people, to listen, and to be there for them.”

Carolyn began her career at what was then Byerly Hospital and continued to work there long after its transition to Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center in 1999. For 43 years, she served at Carolina Pines, spending more than 25 of those years in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Beyond patient care, Carolyn became a mentor to new nurses, guiding them with patience and wisdom. “I trained so many of them,” she said with a smile. “And they would tell me, ‘I don’t know what I would’ve done without you.’ That meant the world to me.”

When asked about the changes she’s witnessed throughout her career, Carolyn shared a powerful story that highlights how far nursing has come. “I tell you one thing - and I told my daughter this not too long ago - when I first started as a nursing assistant, we didn’t have gloves,” Carolyn said with a chuckle. “My daughter asked me, ‘What do you mean you didn’t have gloves?’ I explained, ‘We bathed the patients, we did whatever else, and we just used hot water, soap, alcohol, or whatever to clean our hands.’ And then they brought in gloves, and that was like gasp - gloves!?”

These small but significant changes, such as the introduction of gloves, demonstrate just how far the field of nursing has advanced in terms of both technology and safety. Carolyn’s ability to adapt to these changes while continuing to deliver compassionate care is a testament to her dedication to the profession.

Entering the nursing profession as a Black woman in the 1960s was also not without challenges. Carolyn remembers moments of hardship during her early training and clinical rotations.

“There were times you could feel you weren’t welcome,” she shared. “But I prayed about it, walked in with a kind heart, and did my job the best I could.”

Her resilience was tested, but she never let it shake her commitment to compassionate care. “Some patients resisted at first, but when they saw I was there to help them, many softened. There were still some who wouldn’t accept me, but I treated them with the same kindness anyway.”

Carolyn credits much of her success to the mentors who encouraged her along the way. She formed a close bond with supervisors like Janet Johnson and Barbara Evans, who helped open the ICU alongside Dr. Nichols.

“Barbara chose me to work with her in the ICU,” Carolyn recalled. “That opportunity meant a lot to me.”

Her kindness and perseverance left a lasting impression on colleagues as well. Charlotte Adams, Human Resources Director at Carolina Pines, shared her admiration:

“She faced obstacles that could have discouraged anyone, yet she handled them with grace, kindness, and quiet strength. Carolyn’s career wasn’t just a long one - it was a meaningful one. She taught me that you can be kind, professional, and stand up for what is right all at the same time.”

Even in retirement, Carolyn remains dedicated to serving others. After many years of working at the Hartsville Interfaith Ministry Food Bank, she continues to provide financial support to them, along with the Boys and Girls Club. She also volunteers at the Soup Kitchen, giving her time to help those in need.

Her advice to the next generation of nurses is simple yet profound: “Be empathetic. Put yourself in others’ shoes before you judge. Listen, understand, and treat every person with the care you’d want for yourself.”

Reflecting on her journey, Carolyn acknowledges the challenges but remains grateful for the life she built through nursing. “There were days I wanted to quit,” she admitted. “But I prayed, walked back in, and did what I was meant to do - care for people. And I hope I made a difference.”

Carolyn Benjamin’s story is one of resilience, love, and service. Her impact on her patients, colleagues, and community is immeasurable, and her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. As we celebrate Black History Month, we honor her life’s work and the countless lives she has touched.