I was originally attracted to becoming a physician due to the influences by both my mother and grandmother being in the medical field. As I was obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with minor in Business Administration from Sul Ross State University, I participated in an externship at Culberson County Hospital my last semester. It was there that I noticed that being a nurse would allow me more time taking care of the patients than being a doctor. I then went on to complete my 2nd degree BSN in May 2013 with plans to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. However, when the State of Oklahoma limited the scope of practice, I changed my educational direction and earned a Master of Nursing Administration instead. In December 2015, I became the Surgical Director at Southwestern Medical Center and after obtaining Advanced Joint Knee and Hip Replacement Accreditation became the Surgical Ortho Director. Most recently, I was placed into the Interim Director position for Women’s Services which includes Labor & Delivery, Nursery, Special Care Nursery, Post-partum and other inpatient women’s services, and Pediatric Unit. I found myself very interested in working at Southwestern Medical Center because of an advancement the founders had implemented on separating medical from surgical as it provides a better environment for infection control. I continue to stay at Southwestern Medical Center because of the diverse nursing positions, flexibility, and advancement opportunities through quality mentorship.
I have been active in select committees within our organization to include Sepsis QI, Antimicrobial Stewardship, Throughput, Pain Management, Joint Center Committee, Chair of the Inpatient Satisfaction Committee, and Patient Medication Education Committee. Community contributions include Leadership Lawton Ft. Sill and Hearts that Care (a free health clinic).