STACY WINGATE:

ALWAYS SEARCHING FOR THE PATIENT’S BEST OPTION

BY ELYSE APEL

Stacy Wingate has always known that she wanted to work in medicine.

“I’ve always loved caring for people,” Stacy says “Just the other day, I pulled up a story that I wrote in kindergarten The question was, ‘What would you like to do when you grow up?’ and I wrote that I wanted to be a registered nurse which is exactly what I am doing now ”

Since the beginning of the year, Wingate, a registered nurse, has worked at Advanced Veins and Vascular Management in Hillsdale, MI. Advanced Veins and Vascular Management specializes in circulatory arterial, venous, and varicose vein conditions. There she works as the team lead in wound care and also assists with procedures.

Wingate grew up in Hudson, Michigan, graduating high school in 2008.

“I went right back into school after high school to get my Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) certification,” Stacy says Stacy worked in a long-term care facility before deciding to head back to school.

“I decided I wanted to venture out a little bit, so I went back and obtained my phlebotomy certificate,” she says.

It wasn’t long before Stacy decided to branch out again and started working in dialysis at the University of Michigan for a few years Over the next few years, Stacy went back to school and received her Licensed Practical Nurse certificate (LPN), her Registered Nurse (RN) certificate, her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and recently obtained her Wound Care certificate.

“I’m always looking to learn new and different things,” Stacy explains Enjoying the adrenaline rush of working in the emergency room, Stacy worked there for some time and still occasionally works shifts to fulfill her adrenaline rush.

Stacy says that since she began working at Advanced Veins and Vascular Management, she has loved getting to learn more about different vascular issues and treatments.

“I have always loved veins,” she says. “In this job, I get to work with patients that have been told they may lose their leg or foot, and I can help them try to save that limb, whether it be from assisting with a simple vascular procedure or helping them to heal their wound that is present ” For Stacy, everything she does in her work is done with the patient’s health and continued wellness in mind “I work to build relationships with them that are strengthened by their complete trust in me,” Stacy says.

She also loves getting to know patients on a personal level “I value my patients as family,” she explains “There are often times that I will give the patient a card or balloons for their birthday.”

Stacy says that she takes a holistic approach to a patient’s wellness.

“We aren’t just looking at one aspect of a patient’s health,” she says “We are trying to find a systematic approach to treating all of their needs.”

Advanced Veins and Vascular Management, a nationally accredited vascular center by the Joint Commission, works to help their patients find non-surgical and minimally-invasive procedures that will lead to better outcomes for the patients while healing their wounds and preventing amputation.

“I love challenges.” Stacy states, “When a patient comes in to us and tells us that they were told there is nothing more that can be done for them and that they are going to need an amputation of their limb, I will do everything in my power to prove them wrong and work ten times harder to save the limb and help the patient return to their normal life as soon as possible.”

Stacy recently received her Wound Care Certificate, which is something she is passionate about and excited to learn more about.

“I’m also trying to learn and find the latest and best technologies out there that we can use to best help our patients and heal their ulcers and wounds quickly” she says.

Stacy said that everything she does would not be possible without the Advanced Veins and Vascular Management team which holds the highest IAC accreditation in vascular testing, peripheral intervention, and vein procedures.

“We have such a fantastic team here who are always prioritizing teamwork Everyone, from the desk manager to the lead surgical assistant, works together to make sure that our patients are all receiving the best care possible,” she says.

In her free time, Stacy enjoys spending time with her family.

“I love everything outdoorsy,” she says “If I am not working, I am outside camping, hunting, fishing, or riding my quad.”

Advanced Veins and Vascular Management is located at 3271 W Carleton Rd, Suite #2, in Hillsdale, Michigan Call (517) 797-5265 to make an appointment or for more information.