“I have a deep passion for teaching; that moment when students experience that ‘lightbulb’ of understanding is incredibly fulfilling for me.” Jamie Parks, nurse educator and nurse residency program director for AdventHealth Shawnee Mission, says that it’s difficult to pinpoint a single best day in her career.
“All the moments of realization and understanding in my students are what I live for. Seeing the spark of comprehension in others is my reason for being.”
Teaching has always been a significant part of Parks’ life, but her journey into health care was unexpected. During the 2008 financial crisis, Parks was working in hospitality management, a sector that was severely impacted by the downturn. Even as she navigated through collecting college credits and exploring various majors—from biochemistry to entomology—she still felt uncertain about her future career path.
“At the age of 25, I realized that most of my interests were rooted in the heavy sciences,” said Parks. “Nursing offered a stable, science-based field where I could also make a positive impact by helping others.”
Parks spent nearly a decade teaching in a pre-licensure program before the economic challenges brought about by COVID-19 altered the academic landscape, prompting her to make the decision to return to the hospital setting for job security and work-life balance. “Surprisingly, I found immense satisfaction in working in staff education, just as I did in academia,” said Parks. “This transition has challenged me to teach in new ways, but it has been a rewarding experience that I cherish.”
A shining example of excellence and dedication, Parks was named a 2024 Outstanding Team Member at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission. Parks embodies the AdventHealth service standards of “Own It,” “Love Me,” “Make It Easy,” and “Keep Me Safe” in every aspect of her work.
Most recently, her commitment to researching qualifications, enrolling key team members in relevant webinars and training, organizing meetings and ensuring the timely submission of documentation helped solidify AdventHealth Shawnee Mission’s Cardiac Care Unit (CCU) as a Beacon Award Winner with Silver Designation from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses.
This recognition is a testament to the exceptional care and dedication of the CCU team, making it one of only two units in the state of Kansas and the fifth unit within all of AdventHealth to hold this honor.
Parks’ ownership of the Nurse Residency Program is equally impressive, as she continuously redesigns sessions to meet the standards of the American Nurses Credentialing Center Practice Transition Accreditation Program and keep them engaging for new nurse residents.
“I cannot praise my team enough,” said Parks. “The CCU team has been incredibly supportive of me through my pilot initiatives that eventually integrated into the Nurse Residency Program. The entire education team has been fantastic in supporting innovative ideas and providing timely feedback for improvement.”
Parks’ care and appreciation for her team are evident in her thoughtful actions, such as organizing dinners and creating self-care bags for CCU team members. She simplifies work processes by providing educational support, promoting adherence to clinical guidelines, and advocating for evidence-based practices, making it easier for the team to deliver high-quality care.
Her unwavering commitment to safety ensures that both patients and staff are protected, and her advocacy for safe working practices is commendable. Her dedication to inclusion, support and ethical behavior further highlights her exceptional qualities, making her an invaluable asset to the AdventHealth team and a worthy recipient of the Outstanding Team Member Award.
“My mom and my grandmother played pivotal roles in shaping who I am today,” said Parks. “Both of them worked exceptionally hard in their professional lives and were instrumental in raising me. They instilled in me the values of hard work, responsibility and resourcefulness, which have guided me throughout my career.”
