Katie Nelson

Apr 06, 2020 / Spotlight

Get to Know our Staff: Katie Nelson, Sports Medicine

What is your role at Scottish Rite for Children? 
I work as a sports medicine nurse coordinator for Dr. Ellis in Frisco. Some days on the job look like a busy clinic day, where Dr. Ellis and his physician assistant, Ben Johnson, will see 40 to 50 patients. Other days include patient care phone calls, including post-operative management, or pre-operative case management and medical clearances for surgery. We are very much a family in Frisco, so there is always a chance we nurses are cross-covering departments and helping one another out!
 
What led you to Scottish Rite? How long have you worked here? 
I grew up in the Dallas area and always heard nothing but incredible things about Scottish Rite. Even my childhood neighbor worked here and loved her job – and she is still with the institution! That is incredible. I’m so fortunate to work at the Frisco campus and I am approaching two years of being here.
 
What do you enjoy most about Scottish Rite?
I enjoy the culture – truly unlike anywhere I have ever worked. No matter the challenge presented, I can say with confidence that everyone truly has a “do-it” attitude, with the patient at the center of their minds and actions. Such patient-focused, colleague-supportive care! 
 
What was your first job? What path did you take to get here?
I started my career in pediatric trauma and intensive care. I absolutely loved my time in the ICU and stayed in pediatric ICU several years. I had a brief change in career and worked in adult primary care, but quickly longed to get back to pediatric nursing. Kids are so resilient and inspirational – ready to put in hard work and heal quickly so that they can get back to being a kid and doing the things they love. Thankful to be working here where the mission is just that – getting kids back to being kids.
 
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Time with the Lord and in the word of God, non-fiction books, podcasts, piano playing, impromptu dance parties in order to embarrass surrounding friends and family, SHORT outdoor runs, card and board games, ministries with my church, Netflix documentary binging and new Dallas-area restaurants finds with husband and friends. 
 
Three words to best describe you:
Extroverted, goofball, passionate.
 
What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?
Most likely something like sales or motivational speaking. As a firstborn sibling, I love any opportunity to gather people around and convince them of something!
 
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
Probably either plunging a 40 plus foot drop into a sinkhole in Mexico (and subsequently accidentally cannonballing into the water – ouch), or hiking down Andrew’s Glacier without proper gear in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. 
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