Career Profiles
“I’ve stood beside patients at life’s beginning and end — from births in the delivery room to final moments in hospice care. Those experiences are profoundly human and deeply humbling. To be invited into such personal moments is something I never take for granted.”
By Keri Winegar, R.N.
When people ask what led me to pursue a career in health care, my answer is simple: my parents. My father was a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), and my mother was a registered nurse (R.N.). Growing up, I watched them live lives full of compassion, service and purpose. They showed me how rewarding it is to help others, and I knew early on that health care was a field where I would thrive.
But beyond the inspiration, nursing offered me stability and opportunity. It gave me the confidence to build the life I envisioned for myself and my family. Over the years, I’ve worn many hats in this profession — working in the emergency department, at the bedside in a Progressive Care Unit (PCU), as an account executive for a hospice company and now as a substance use program manager at the Missouri Hospital Association. Every role has added a layer to my understanding, equipping me with the experience I need to serve others effectively.
In my current role, I manage our state’s substance use program, an initiative funded by Missouri’s portion of the national opioid settlement. Like many states, Missouri has been deeply affected by the opioid epidemic. Our program focuses on providing resources for individuals living with substance use disorder, while also educating the public on the science of addiction, treatment options and the importance of reducing stigma.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is education. I truly believe that knowledge is power. We can’t do better until we know better. That philosophy drives my work — whether I’m training health care professionals or speaking to community groups. My “why” is simple: I want to help others learn, grow, and ultimately, heal.
Without a doubt, helping others is the most fulfilling part of my job. I carry a wealth of medical knowledge that I can use to support patients, families and fellow health care workers. I’ve stood beside patients at life’s beginning and end — from births in the delivery room to final moments in hospice care. Those experiences are profoundly human and deeply humbling. To be invited into such personal moments is something I never take for granted.
Like many nurses, I’ve faced my share of challenges. Working in emergency departments exposed me to intense trauma and heartbreak. I’ve seen the loneliness of patients in long-term care and witnessed the devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
These experiences can take a toll on your mental health. But I’ve learned how vital it is to recognize when I’m struggling and to reach out. Talking to a trusted colleague or mentor can make a world of difference. Often, what feels like a mountain of stress started as a small issue — just a grain of sand we ignored too long. The key is not to carry it alone.
To anyone considering a career in health care: go for it. Dream big. Learn as much as you can. Observe every opportunity. We are the future of this field, and the world needs compassionate, knowledgeable professionals now more than ever.
Helping others gives my life meaning and purpose. If you feel that same pull to serve, you’re already halfway there.
There’s a common misconception that nursing is all about hard days and burnout. And while it’s true that the pandemic tested us in ways we couldn’t imagine, it also revealed our resilience. Yes, we were hurt. We were overwhelmed. But we also showed up, again and again.
I want future nurses to know: this field is full of meaning, connection and opportunity. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.
