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In celebration of National Nurses Week, Gov. Kay Ivey announced a special commendation for Irnetta and Esther Murdock, two sisters who have each dedicated 53 years to the field of Licensed Practical Nursing at Whitfield Regional Hospital. 

Gov. Ivey hosted the sisters at the Capitol to present commendations recognizing their unparalleled commitment, resilience, and service to Alabama’s healthcare community.

Lifelong residents of Marengo County’s Old Springhill community, the sisters have worked 53 years on the 12-hour overnight shift at Whitfield Regional Hospital.

Irnetta’s commendation from Gov. Ivey recognizes her “outstanding commitment, resilience, and service in the field of nursing and…incredible legacy she continues to build.”

“When I began nursing, if a patient came in with a hip fracture, they were guaranteed to be headed to the mortuary,” Irnetta recalls. “A heart attack patient was advised never to walk up steps again.”

Esther’s commendation celebrates “her lifetime of service, her inspirational presence in the nursing profession, and her invaluable role in the life of Whitfield Regional Hospital and the greater community.”

When asked about their motivation, the sisters credit their love for nursing and the opportunity to make a difference in their community — always with an emphasis on the individual. “You have to stay focused and learn from each experience,” says Esther. “Treat everyone with the utmost respect and be patient.”

Born and raised just outside Demopolis, the Murdock sisters are two of eight siblings. Both graduated from Hobson State Technical College in Thomasville and began their careers at Whitfield Regional Hospital in 1971 — Irnetta in August and Esther in December. Over five decades, they have worked primarily on the night shift, rarely missing a day, even during the COVID-19 pandemic, and often volunteering for extra hours. Colleagues and patients admire their tireless work ethic and deep compassion.

Doug Brewer, CEO at Whitfield Regional Hospital, praised the dedication of the Murdock sisters, noting how they are examples of the commitment so many at the hospital share for members of the community. “The ability to provide quality healthcare in Demopolis and across this region is solely dependent on the people who provide that care,” Brewer said. “I can’t think of two people I’ve ever known in my career who signify the selfless care of our profession more than Irnetta and Esther. Their reliability and devotion to our hospital and the people we care for on a daily basis is unmatched.”

The sisters have witnessed transformative advances in medicine, and they are excited about the future of healthcare. As Whitfield Regional Hospital, now part of the UAB Health System, prepares to partner with the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences in 2026, the Murdocks remain hopeful that this initiative will address shortages in nursing and rural medicine.