What is your role at Scottish Rite for Children? 
As an orthopedic nurse coordinator, I support Dr. Johnston's orthopedic team in the Ambulatory Care department. Every day is different! On a daily basis, I return patient and parent phone calls and prepare for our clinics - review charts, order X-rays and confirm all results are available. I go into the clinic exam rooms with Dr. Johnston and wrap up the visit with the patient/parent by answering questions, ordering future X-rays and explain to the patient with age appropriate terms what the doctor said. I teach how to take care of a cast and/or dressing, coordinate other specialty services as needed, explain activity restrictions, instruct how to apply harness/braces and provide patient education handouts about their condition. 

When Dr. Johnston needs to schedule surgery, I spend a lot of time with the patient/parent. We complete a detailed patient assessment, prepare the patient in age appropriate terms and prepare the parent on what to expect for the surgery - recovery, pain management, activity restrictions, etc. I coordinate necessary pre-op specialty consults, discuss with parents the possible forms they will need for their jobs to allow absence while their child has surgery (FMLA) and explain necessary arrangements for the patient's school. I provide packets of patient education handouts and direct families to Scottish Rite's YouTube channel for appropriate videos. Many of our patients have never had surgery and I think is it so important to prepare them with detailed explanations in terms they can understand because information is power.

I have a responsibility to provide an honest and positive foundation for the child so that their future encounters with medical/surgical professionals is a good experience. It's important to verbalize to the children they will be asleep for the surgery, their parent will be able to stay with them overnight and we will provide medication to help with discomfort after surgery. If we don't tell the child what to expect, they will imagine what it will be like! I also help Dr. Sucato's team to prepare his patients for surgery.

What do you enjoy most about Scottish Rite?
The kids! They are amazing! I love the relationships we develop with the patients and their parents over time. I am so blessed to be able to see these kids year after year. I also love that every day I learn something new. I am so honored to be able to work with such amazing people. Everyone at Scottish Rite is focused on the patient and their family. I really enjoy working with Dr. Johnston - I have been with him about 23 years and he has taught me so much.
 
What was your first job? What path did you take to get here?
I have always wanted to be a nurse. From my earliest memory, I dreamed of being a nurse. My first real job at the age of 16 was as a unit clerk at Grapevine Memorial Hospital, now Baylor Scott and White Grapevine. I worked there in 1976 and they only had 30 beds. 

I later worked on the pediatric wing at a community hospital for 12 years. It ended up closing and I was devastated and worried I would not be able to find another job in pediatrics. As they were closing, they held a job fair for employees, and I was able to meet with an HR representative from Scottish Rite. I was initially hired as a nurse for the inpatient unit. I spent a year and a half in that unit and then transferred to Ambulatory Care. I've been at Scottish Rite for 24 years. 

What is the coolest or most interesting thing you're working on now?
I am a member of the Ambulatory Care Patient Education Committee as well as the Patient Education Committee. We review all of the patient education material, update the handouts and develop new material.

What are you currently watching on Netflix/Hulu/TV/etc.?
I get overwhelmed with all the choices on Netflix, but right now we are watching season 2 of Jack Ryan. I typically like to watch reruns of Last Man Standing, Everyone Loves Raymond, Golden Girls and Gunsmoke.  

What is the most amazing adventure you have done?
For the past 20 years, I taught a 2-year-old Sunday school class at church every week. Talk about an amazing adventure!

What are some small things that make your day better?
A FaceTime call from my grandson, Caleb, talking to family members and working with amazing people. I always start my day with quiet time in the chapel for scripture and prayer. Prior to COVID, hugs from the kids made my day - now we will have to "air hug."

What is special about the place you grew up?
Pork BBQ from Memphis, TN. 

What is your favorite thing to do when you're not working?
Spending time with my family. I love just hanging out with my husband, seeing my daughters and spending time with my grandson, Caleb. Caleb comes over every Saturday to spend the night, but since the shelter at home orders, he has not been able to spend the night. This weekend our tradition starts back up and we are all really excited!