Nursing is in our blood

For the Semien family, nursing is more than just a job—it’s a legacy

Sharon Semien, a seasoned registered nurse, has worked at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital for over 35 years. She’s seen the healthcare landscape evolve, from her early days as a new graduate nurse on the 8th floor of the patient tower to her current role in the emergency department, where she spent much of her nursing career. But she’s not the first—or last—member of her family to work at Memorial.

“Nursing runs in our blood. When I was a kid, I saw my mother’s nursing career and I wanted to be a part of that,” Sharon shares.

Sharon’s mother, who retired from Lake Charles Memorial Hospital after more than 30 years of service in medical surgical nursing, continues to practice even today, in a part time capacity, at 84 years old. Sharon often reflects on the impact her mother had on her own life, and now she has the privilege of watching her children carry that torch.

Passing on a love of nursing

What Sharon values most now is the fact that her children, CJ and Cloee, have chosen to follow in her footsteps, bringing their own passion and commitment to nursing at Lake Charles Memorial Health System.

CJ, who graduated from McNeese State University in spring 2023, works in the emergency department at Memorial, continuing the family tradition of care. His journey to nursing was influenced by his mother’s unwavering passion for her work and the stability that a nursing career could offer.

CJ focuses on making a difference during some of the most trying moments of a person’s life, which speaks volumes about his empathy and commitment to his patients. To him, the unique connection to the community that ER nurses experience makes the job especially meaningful.

“You’re not just a nurse, but a friend,” he says. “You see people at their most vulnerable, sometimes at their worst, and you’re right there beside them.”

Cloee, who also graduated from McNeese State University—just a year after her brother—works at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital for Women in the Family Birth Center as a labor and delivery nurse. She’s always had a passion for nurturing others, and her work in labor and delivery is the perfect fit.

“I see myself as a coach,” Cloee says, referring to her role in guiding women through the challenges and rewards of childbirth.

“I think she pulls out pom-poms when she goes to work every day,” jokes Sharon, reflecting Cloee’s infectious enthusiasm and dedication to her patients.

Learning from their mom

Sharon’s admiration for her children’s commitment to nursing is evident.

“I’m glad my kids enjoy getting up every day and going to work,” she says, beaming with pride. “It’s a beautiful thing to see them find that passion early on.”

She’s proud of the career path they have chosen, as it allows a stable future as they continue into adulthood.

For CJ and Cloee, the influence of their mother and grandmother is clear. CJ’s upbringing in the healthcare environment, where his mother worked long shifts and juggled her nursing career with motherhood, shaped his understanding of what it means to be a compassionate caregiver.

“You see the characteristics that make our mom a good mother also make her a good nurse,” Cloee shares.

Both children remember growing up in the ER, witnessing their mother’s ability to balance tenderness with professionalism. They learned the importance of being there for others, whether it’s holding a newborn baby or comforting a grieving family. It’s no surprise that Sharon sees the same tenderness and focus in her children— qualities that make them great nurses.

“To see my two do that, I feel elated. I must have done something right,” says Sharon.

Nurturing a nursing career

The nursing environment at Lake Charles Memorial Health System, where Sharon, CJ and Cloee all work, has helped foster this passion for care. For CJ, the hospital’s welcoming atmosphere made a difference, especially when he started working the night shift.

“Staff can make or break it,” CJ reflects. “It’s a casual environment, but when it’s time to work, it’s time to work.”

The camaraderie and balance of professionalism are what make Memorial an ideal place for nurturing a nursing career.

The Semien family’s commitment to nursing is more than just a career choice—it’s a legacy of love, compassion and service to the community. Whether in the ER or the delivery room, the Semiens embody the core values of nursing—tenderness, dedication and a deep sense of responsibility to those they care for. Their story proves that nursing truly runs in their blood.

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