One Nurse’s Impact Behind the Scenes
story and photo by Vickie Jenkins, Staff Writer
When you step into Integris Health Canadian Valley hospital in Yukon, Oklahoma, you’re entering more than a healthcare facility. You’re stepping into a place where exceptional care, dedication and compassion come together to serve the community. Known for providing the highest level of care, the hospital stands as a trusted pillar of health and healing in the region. Among the many professionals who make this possible is Carrie Spaugh, RN, Clinical Manager of the Emergency Room. With over 15 years of nursing experience, steady leadership, and a heart for helping others to one of the hospital’s most critical departments. Her calm presence, clinical expertise and commitment to excellence help ensure that patients receive not only prompt medical attention but also genuine compassion during some of their vulnerable moments.
A proud native of Oklahoma, Carrie has always been guided by a strong sense of compassion and a deep-rooted desire to care for others. “I’ve always had a desire to help others in any way that I can,” she shared, reflecting on what has been a lifetime calling. Her journey into healthcare began with her very first job as a tech in the emergency room, an experience that planted the seeds of her passion for acute care. From there, she went on to serve as a nurse in hospice care, providing comfort and support to patients and families during some of life’s most difficult moments. While that chapter was meaningful, Carrie felt a strong pull to return to the fast-paced and unpredictable world of the ER. “That was nine years ago, and I’m still here,” she said with a laugh. “I think it gives me a feeling of knowing that people need me, and I need them too.” For Carrie, nursing is more than a profession, it’s a purpose and one she continues to fulfill with unwavering heart and skill.
When asked what qualities make a good nurse, Carrie didn’t hesitate to share her thoughts. “I think a nurse needs patience, compassion, critical thinking skills and the ability to truly listen,” she began. “You also need to know how to work with all kinds of people from different walks of life. Every patient and every situation is different.” Carrie emphasized that resilience is just as important as empathy. “A nurse needs to have a thick skin and be able to handle all kinds of situations of every kind, whether they’re emotional, high-pressure or unpredictable,” she explained. “You also have to know when to lead and when to follow, it’s about being adaptable and always doing what’s best for the patient. Her words reflect the balance of strength, sensitivity, and teamwork that define the nursing profession.
As the Clinical Nurse Manager in the emergency department, Carrie carries a wide range of responsibilities that are essential to the smooth and effective operation of the unit. Her role goes far beyond overseeing day-to-day tasks. She is a leader, a problem solver and a source of support for her team. Carrie is responsible for supervising staff, monitoring performance metrics, reviewing patient care data and ensuring that equipment and systems are functioning properly. She also plays a key role in addressing unexpected challenges and resolving issues as they arise and often in real time and under pressure. But just as importantly, Carrie is committed to maintaining a positive and motivated work environment. She makes it a priority to encourage her team, boost morale, and ensure that each staff member feels valued and supported. Her leadership is marked by a combination of clinical expertise, strong communication skills, and a deep commitment to support both the team and the patients they care for.
Carry Spaugh’s journey in nursing is a testament to dedication, resilience and heart. As both an ER nurse and trusted leader, she continues to make a lasting impact on her patients, her team, and the hospital she proudly serves. Through the fast-paced chaos of emergency care, Carrie remains a steady presence, someone who leads with compassion, and never loses sight of the reason she started this path to help others. For Carrie, nursing isn’t just a job, it’s a calling, and one she fulfills with excellence every single day.
ER nurses like Carrie are the heartbeat of emergencies, working swiftly under pressure, offering calm in chaos, and delivering care when it’s needed most. Her dedication, leadership and compassion serves as a powerful reminder of how essential the emergency room is. Her work not only saves lives but also brings comfort, hope, and reassurance when it matters most.
