by Vickie Jenkins, staff writer
For Julie Hitchings, RN, the nursing profession has been more than just a career, it has been a calling shaped by family, faith, and a steadfast dedication to helping others over the years into her nursing journey. Julie has seen the challenges, joys and rewards that come with caring for patients in some of their most vulnerable moments.
Julie grew up in Edmond, where childhood dreams were far different from the life she lives now. She laughs when she recalls that as a little girl. She wanted to be a farmer, even though to this day, she has never been on a farm. She also wanted to drive a big dually truck, another dream she can’t quite explain. While farming and truck driving never became her reality, Julie found her real purpose in nursing, a career deeply rooted in her family’s medical background.
After high school, Julie played basketball in Edmond before finishing her senior year at Washington High School. That’s when Julie followed in the footsteps of her relatives in healthcare. “My brother is a physician, my uncle is an orthopedic surgeon, and two of my sister-in-laws are also nurses,” she commented. Surrounded by strong medical role models, she pursued her nursing degree and began her career at the University of Oklahoma, spending her first three years working in labor and delivery.
Those early years gave her a foundation in caring for mothers and newborns, but soon she felt the pull towards the fast-paced, unpredictable environment of the emergency room. Over the years, Julie has worked in ERs at several different hospitals thriving in the adrenaline-charged atmosphere. “I love
the ‘unexpected situations’ and the strong teamwork of my coworkers,” she said. “We’re such a tight-knit family and the ER is a team effort. That makes the hard days so much easier.” For Julie, the closeness of her team is an important key in the ER.
When asked what qualities make a good nurse, Julie doesn’t hesitate. “Organization, teamwork and empathy,” she replied. For her, empathy is the cornerstone of nursing, the ability to truly feel with patients and families, who are frightened, hurting or uncertain. She holds herself to those standards daily, while also being recognized for her strongest personal qualities; dependable, honest and helpful.
In reflecting on how nursing has changed since she first started, “There just seems to be more diseases or complications than when I started out,’’ she explained. Yet, she embraces the challenge, meeting each patient with the same determination to provide excellent care.
The greatest reward for Julie is knowing that her work makes a difference. “At the end of the day, patients always leave better off than when they come in,” she said. “It’s rewarding to know you’ve played a role in saving lives and helping people feel better.”
Julie’s motivation doesn’t just come from the ER, it comes from home. She is the proud mother of two children, ages five and fifteen, who inspire her to keep going even on the toughest days. Family is at the center of her life, and her husband and children share traditions that keep them close. Every Christmas, they take a family vacation together and summers often find them at their house lake in Michigan.
Travel is a passion for Julie, whether it’s with her family or in her role as a nurse when she goes along with the students on field trips, ensuring their health and safety while also sharing in their excitement for new experiences.
Outside of work, Julie’s active lifestyle keeps her balanced. She still enjoys playing basketball and is an enthusiastic pickleball player. Fitness is her favorite hobby, and working out is a regular part of her routine. She also loves the companionship of her three dogs, who add joy and energy to her days.
Through it all, Julie remains deeply committed to her profession, though nursing is not always easy; long shifts, emotional moments, and unexpected emergencies. Her story reflects not just the life of one nurse but the spirit of a profession built on compassion and care.
From the little girl in Edmond with dreams of farming and driving a big dually truck, to the skilled ER nurse who saves lives daily, Julie Hitchings’ journey is a testament to dedication and perseverance. For her patients, coworkers, and family, she is not only a nurse, but a source of strength, honesty, and hope.
