Valerie Steffey, same day surgery charge nurse at Stillwater Medical Center, has been recognized as one of the Great 100 Nurses in Oklahoma. The Great 100 Nurses Foundation selects exemplary nurses based on their concern for humanity, their contributions to the profession and their mentorship of others.
“People need to be cared for in a way that’s kind and compassionate. I felt that was my calling from a very young age – to do what is right for them and to think about doing it well,” Steffey said.
Steffey grew up in Western Oklahoma and graduated with her bachelor’s degree in nursing from East Central University. In her nearly 25-year career, she’s worked in Oklahoma, Arizona, Texas and Kansas, providing care at the bedside of surgery patients and new mothers. She’s seen many advances in technology, but she remains focused on the most crucial aspect of care.
“The human touch at the bedside hasn’t changed. Our equipment, our ability to do testing and our technology has improved, but in my opinion, you’ll never take away the human contact and care element of being present with your patient,” Steffey said.
The compassion Steffey shows for her patients and her coworkers, along with her commitment to excellent care is what motivated Clinical Manager of Same Day Surgery Deborah Aguilar to nominate her for the award. Aguilar describes Steffey as a forward-thinker who’s always willing to do what’s in the best interest of her patients. The same day surgery unit at Stillwater Medical Center is a team of 26 individuals who schedule, prepare and care for patients before and after their surgical procedure.
“The team I work with is amazing from the front desk to the clinic to the back,” Aguilar said. “We have a really good group of nurses with varied backgrounds and levels of experience. We learn from each other and have a depth of knowledge and support we can draw from.”
Steffey is known for her sharp memory and ability to recall knowledge at just the right time, serving as a resource for her team. Crystal Lofton is one of those team members. She describes Steffey as a huge asset to the hospital and her patients. Lofton has learned a lot from Steffey, working side-by-side for the past five years. In fact, Lofton was among three Stillwater Medical Center nurses recognized as a Great 100 Nurse in Oklahoma last year.
“As I sat at the award banquet last year and heard all the wonderful things being said about the honorees, I was in awe. You do this job day in and day out, not always realizing the impact you’re making. It’s an honor to be recognized, and Valerie is most definitely deserving,” Lofton said.
Steffey was quick to acknowledge Lofton and the other members of her team when asked about her secret to success. She’s worked in a variety of hospital environments across the U.S. and says Stillwater Medical Center is unique.
“The culture here is by far the best work culture I’ve ever been in,” Steffey said. “I came here 10 years ago because I really wanted to work in Stillwater. This environment is incredible in terms of what they offer to us for continuing education, growth, support and the family element that really comes through in the way we show up for one another.”
Steffey commuted from Ponca City to Stillwater for several years. She says the drive was well worth it for the career opportunities it’s provided her. Her family moved to Stillwater in 2020, and she continues to balance her role as a wife, mother-of-two and full-time nurse.
“It’s been a fun challenge. We’re constantly growing here; adding new physicians and new procedures to expand the care we provide,” Steffey said. “I’m from rural Oklahoma, so I know what it’s like to have to drive three and a half hours to get specialty care. I’m proud to be part of offering amazing care to this community. We’re fortunate to have incredibly well qualified providers.”
Later this month, Steffey will attend the 8th Annual Great 100 Nurses Celebration of Oklahoma in Tulsa. Over 500 registered nurses, nurse executives, hospital administrators, physicians, community leaders, families and friends will gather to induct the 2024 class of honorees.
