CAREERS IN NURSING: BONES, LIGAMENTS AND TENDONS, OH MY

by Vickie Jenkins – Writer/Photographer

Southwest Orthopaedic and Reconstructive Specialist (SOS) is a comprehensive practice that is located in South Oklahoma City. Being with SOS since 2016, Stephanie Plummer, RN, BSN has been the clinic RN for SOS and the RN for Dr. Brad Reddick and Jayme Royston-Locke, PA-C. Dr. Reddick is a Joint Replacement Surgeon who specializes in the most current and advanced technology in joint replacement which includes Direct Anterior Approach Total Hip Arthroplasty, Robotic Total Knee Arthroplasty, Robotic Assisted Partial Knee Replacement, Revision Total Joint Arthroplasty as well as the most complex Orthopedic cases regarding both primary total joint and revision total joints.

Stephanie explained how SOS opened their doors in 1995 and has continued to focus its practice and expertise with an extensive selection of surgeons, specializing in Orthopedic, Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery. “We have a support staff of one hundred, working in areas such as insurance verification, appointments, pre-certifications, insurance billing, medical records and workers compensation.”
“As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the mind, soul, heart and body of our patients, their families and ourselves. They may forget your name but they will never forget how you made them feel. That is one of my all time favorite quotes, by Maya Angelou,” she mentioned. “I always realize how true those words are.”
Stephanie grew up in Moore, OK, and it was 2004-2007, when she moved to San Diego, CA with her husband while he was serving in the U.S. Navy on the U.S.S. Denver. Stephanie obtained her Associates degree from Oklahoma City Community College and her Bachelors from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. “I always had the medical field on my mind,” Stephanie said. “I have the opportunity to empower the patients and their families with knowledge and be a part of the healing process but most important, I wanted to do something in life that would make a difference. As a nurse, I have the opportunity to not only care for the patient but to be their voice when they can’t speak, being their advocate; to help fight for their wishes and help honor them at all times. I love my job as a nurse and can’t imagine doing anything else,” she commented. “A good nurse needs to be a great listener to her patients.”
Asking Stephanie if she considers herself a leader or a follower, she replied, “I would like to think that I am a little of both. I think that to be a good leader, I must be a good follower. I respect the people I look up to, as they set examples and I learn from them. I always strive to be a better communicator, a better manager, a better educator and a better mentor.”
What advice would you give to someone going into the medical field? “I would tell them to follow their passion and follow their heart. Be open to change because there will be plenty of changes in the medical field. Sometimes, a nurse will be frustrated and feel like they have failed, but always remember this, being a nurse is a blessing and an honor. Perhaps, Patch Adams said it best, “You treat a disease, you win, you lose. You treat a person, I guarantee you, you’ll win no matter what the outcome.”
What changes have you made because of the coronavirus? “SOS has made many changes because of the coronavirus and we are continuing to closely monitor the situation should additional necessary changes be needed. Currently, all staff undergo daily temperature checks as well as all patients and visitors. We are regularly cleaning touched surface areas, countertops, door handles and other highly trafficked areas. Most importantly, we are screening our patients for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and reschedule if necessary,” Stephanie said.
On a personal note, Stephanie is married to her wonderful husband of almost seventeen years. “We’ve known each other since fourth grade,” she said with a smile. “We have a three year old son who is the light of our world. Our pets include a pit mix named Axle, a chihuahua mix named Ollie and a cat named Archie.” Stephanie’s hobbies include spending time with her family, traveling, fishing, being outdoors and spending time at the racetrack. “My husband actually builds race cars and yes, I love the racetrack,” she said.
When asking Stephanie to sum up her life in one word, she replied, “blessed.”