BLUE HILL — Registered nurse Susan McDonald has been named nurse manager of the medical-surgical unit at Blue Hill Memorial Hospital.

McDonald, who most recently worked in the Ellsworth practice of Dr. John VanPelt, is returning to Blue Hill Memorial after a seven-year absence.

“From 1974 to 1980, I rotated between Blue Hill’s medical-surgical unit and other departments,” McDonald said. “I also was nurse supervisor of the outpatient department for four years, working in the doctors’ offices primarily.

“Things have changed a lot since then. The doctors now run independent practices, and the position I’m taking on is new to the medical-surgical (unit).”

Among McDonald’s responsibilities will be oversight of patient care from admission through discharge. She also will work closely with the nursing staff in all departments to “make sure that things run smoothly for our patients.”

Citing recent restructuring changes at Blue Hill Memorial, McDonald said she hopes to be able to carry these changes through to the nursing department.

“When a new nursing director is hired, my goal is to work closely with that person to bring the nursing department up to where it needs to be for the balance of the 1990s.”

A 1973 graduate of Peter Bent Brigham Hospital School of Nursing in Boston, McDonald currently is enrolled in the Husson College School of Nursing in Bangor. She will receive her bachelor of science in nursing later this year.

McDonald, a native of Blue Hill whose parents are both from the area, admits to close ties to Blue Hill and its 26-bed acute care facility.

“I was born here and over the years I’ve kept in touch with my friends on the nursing staff. So for me, coming back to the hospital really is like coming home.”

McDonald took up her duties at Blue Hill Memorial on April 22.