Her Story
About Evalyn
Evalyn Patterson is a retired healthcare professional specializing in medical billing and coding administration. She has worked in the field since approximately 2005, following her LPN training and medical billing certificate. Her career includes positions in doctor's offices, hospitals, nursing facilities, pharmaceutical billing, and call center duties, where she focused on coding to the last letter to ensure accurate diagnosis and complete patient profiles. She began her educational path in social work before transitioning to nursing school due to family circumstances, and she holds no formal college degrees beyond her LPN license and medical billing certificate. Currently based in Tampa, Florida, she serves as a caregiver for her sister.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Evalyn
01What do you attribute your success to?
Hard work and determination along with strong family values. My dad always said don't start something that you can't finish. Focus on what is important and try to do better than when you found it. I love the blessings that I get.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
My sister Linda told me when starting nursing school, don't drop the babies. She had me focused on that.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Make sure you get into the field because that's your focus, not because your friends are in it or you think it's a better job. Do your homework because some fields are not as glamorous, they can be very tedious. Take your schooling very serious from beginning to end. Make sure you feel it's the right fit for you.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is stability and young people getting experience after graduating. Companies and hospitals are not opening enough doors for new graduates to get hands-on training and internships. They need opportunities to learn even if they just graduated.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Family is most important. Never forget where you come from and never forget where you go. Family is the good, the bad, the ugly that make you who you are. Respect is always good as it is given. You respect yourself and you respect others. Honesty and integrity. A person is only as good as their word.
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