Smith County Insider’s “Healthcare Heroes” series is our way of spotlighting some of the incredible healthcare workers that serve in and around Smith County.
We know that the bravery, knowledge, and compassion of our local healthcare workers is something to be celebrated, especially in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
We can never say thank you enough for what you all do every day!
Smith County Healthcare Hero Lisa Flemmons
Today’s Healthcare Hero is Lisa Flemmons.
Lisa is an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner in the Medical ICU at Vanderbilt. She is currently leading a team of NPs in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit.
Lisa is from Carthage, and she has worked in the healthcare field for almost 16 years. She worked for about 5 years as an RN before graduating NP school at Vanderbilt. She has been practicing as an NP for just over 10 years.
SCI: What is the most rewarding part of your job?
LF: I have always loved team sports and ICU medicine is nothing more than that. A team of healthcare experts (Doctors, NPs, nurses, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, etc) who have trained in critical care and are working towards the same goal-to help people overcome life-threatening illnesses and support them physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The most rewarding part, of course, is patients surviving and returning back home to the people who love them.
SCI: What is the most challenging part of your job?
LF: Critical care has lots of challenges everyday especially surrounding the end of life, but with the current pandemic and working in the COVID ICU the hardest part of my job right now is trying to fill the void of patient’s families who are not allowed to visit their sick family member. It’s hard for the patients and its heartbreaking for the families. We are getting really creative with technology and are so thankful for FaceTime and ZOOM meetings to allow loved ones to still connect with our patients and the healthcare team.
SCI: What do you like to do in your free time?
LF: I enjoy gardening and spending time on our small farm with my husband, John, and our 2 kids. I also enjoy good food and good wine with family/friends!
SCI: Is there anything else you would like to share with the readers of Smith County Insider?
LF: Wash your hands and be safe and responsible! We will get through this!
We are so thankful for your work on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis, Lisa!
Don’t miss Smith County Insider’s next “Healthcare Heroes” spotlight! To nominate a Healthcare Hero, email rachel@smithcountyinsider.com.
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