TNP Board of Directors | South Plains Representative 2016-2018

Why did you become an NP?

When I graduated from Abilene Christian University in 1990, I started working as a nurse and became the perinatal education coordinator in 1993. Working in bereavement at the nursery, I soon realized I wanted to work with patients throughout all phases of life, and I then learned that ACU was opening an NP program. I was the first of four FNP graduates from the Patty Hanks School of Nursing in 1996. I wanted to experience caring for families in their journey through life, which led me to want to become a nurse practitioner.

What do you love most about Lynn County Hospital District?

The patients and getting to know them almost as family. Working as a nurse practitioner, I get to know my patients, their kids, their grandkids, their dogs, their favorite football teams . . . I like just knowing people and their lives. As the CEO, I do not get to see patients as much as I would like, so I still set one or two Saturdays a month aside to see patients, and I occasionally get to step out of my administrative role to help fill in if we are short.

What is your favorite patient success story?

An elderly couple (ages 79 and 83) had gone to church and lunch one Sunday about 25 miles from home. Once almost home, the wife told her husband, “I don’t feel good. Something’s not right.” She was having chest pain with nausea, so he turned the car around. Knowing that navigating heavy traffic through Lubbock might take too long, her husband decided to head to Lynn County. He called the hospital on the way to notify the ER that he believed his wife was having a heart attack. I was one of the three people waiting for her at the door. We immediately got her on a stretcher, into the trauma room, and hooked up on leads when she arrested. We resuscitated, stabilized her, and life-flighted her to Lubbock. Three days later, the elderly couple walked into Lynn County Hospital, gave us all hugs, and thanked us for saving her life. That was their first stop on the way home after her discharge. Lynn County holds an annual auction, and for the past 10 years, the woman has written a $5,000 check in a donation to the hospital’s foundation. We saved her life, and she gives back. I have shared this story with Senator Perry and other legislators to help explain just what rural health means. Stories like this one are what people don’t understand unless you’ve provided care in a rural community.

Why do you feel advocating for full practice authority is important?

I feel it’s important for NPs to advocate for full practice authority because (1) we are professionals, and (2) who better to advocate for our own profession than ourselves? I love seeing patients and caring for people, but I have also set myself on the path as an advocate for my profession, which I do in as many avenues as possible.

 What organizations outside of TNP do you support?

I was asked in 2021 to serve on the Board of the Texas Health Insurance Exchange, and it has been an interesting experience. Not only can I learn more about insurance coverage, malpractice, liability, and workers comp, but I also bring a clinical perspective to the table, which has been helpful for the development of policies.

I also serve on the Texas Organization of Rural and Community Hospitals (TORCH) Board. We are fortunate to say that every rural hospital in Texas is now a member of TORCH, working together for access to effective and affordable care. I was recently asked to serve on the Texas Hospital Association Board and I will be the first advanced practice nurse to serve on this board.

What are the future goals for Lynn County Hospital District?

My focus for the next three to five years is to refine our operations for the most efficient outcomes and funnel as much downstream revenue to the hospital as possible while continuing to foster our relationships with the providers in the surrounding communities and Lubbock. I am hopeful that Lynn County Hospital will receive a grant for a mobile mammography unit because Lynn County and the surrounding communities could really benefit.

What do you do for fun?

I have a newfound self-care hobby. A couple of close friends who just retired from teaching for 35 years have decided that their objective in life is to get me to take vacations. I have now taken two seven-day cruises. My friends have my credit card and my passport number, and they tell me what days to take off. It’s great!

What is your mantra or guiding principle?

Do what you love, and love what you do. Find what you know will feed you as a human being and make you want to be a better person. Find a way to do what you love each day to help you remember why you love it.