Fairfax, Virginia — Janet Woods thought Tuesday would be just another day of work at Inova Fairfax Hospital. She showed up to a surprise. 

Woods has spent 50 years as a pediatric nurse — most of those years were in the neonatal intensive care unit. Her fellow nurses thought her accomplishment deserved a celebration. 

Hundreds lined the hospital’s halls and gave the woman they call a superhero 50 roses — one for each year she’s been on the job.

Woods estimated she has helped care for nearly 50,000 babies during her long career. 

Woods, a 71-year-old grandmother, says she hasn’t given retirement a thought, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“If you can extend a hand and help a family or help someone along the way it gives you great joy,” Woods said. “It was never a thought that I would leave. Ever. I would not have abandoned what I do. That’s when you’re needed the most.” 

Nurse Myriam Rich, who has worked with Woods for 20 years, called her an inspiration. 

“I truly always want to be like Janet,” Rich said. 

Jan Crawford

Jan Crawford is CBS News’ chief legal correspondent and based in Washington, D.C.