Shoney Lewis, RN, MSN-HCSM, CAIP, CNOR

I attribute my success to the journey I've taken in my nursing career since starting in 2000. I began at Houston Northwest Medical Center in the IMU unit as a charge nurse, and when the health supervisor saw my skills, she offered me a position in the emergency room. That transition from IMU to emergency room nursing was pivotal for me. My career continued to evolve as I moved into PACU and cath lab work in Conroe, Texas, and then I received an offer to work in the outpatient surgery center world. Working in pre-op, the operating room, and recovery room settings, I fell in love with surgical services, which is how I ended up in my current role as Director of Surgical Services, a position I've held for 4 years now. I start my days at 6 AM with morning huddles, managing pre-op, sterile processing, and recovery room operations to ensure excellent patient care. I make it a point to greet all my employees with a smile, even at 6 o'clock in the morning, because we're healthcare providers and we should be grateful that the Lord has blessed us with another day. My dedication has been recognized through being named one of the top 200 nurses in the Houston area two years in a row for 2022 and 2023, and I'm a lifetime member of the American Perioperative Services organization. I'm also very involved with the American Heart Association and the Houston Breast Cancer Walk, volunteering year after year.

The best career advice I have ever received is that it is possible to build a successful, fulfilling career in nursing while also giving back meaningfully to others. I have embraced this throughout my 26 years in healthcare, and it continues to shape how I show up in my work each day. I am proud of the impact I have made and remain excited and committed as I look forward to the next 26 years in the field.

My advice to young women entering this industry is that you can absolutely build a successful, rewarding career while also making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. In healthcare, your work has the power to directly impact, support, and even save lives, and that responsibility is both challenging and deeply fulfilling. Stay committed to your growth, trust your skills, and remember that compassion and excellence can go hand in hand in shaping a truly impactful career.

The biggest challenge in my field right now is consistently meeting the growing needs of each patient while balancing time, resources, and the emotional demands of healthcare. At the same time, this also presents a meaningful opportunity to provide compassionate, patient-centered care that truly makes a difference. I remain committed to showing up each day with a positive attitude, a smile, and a readiness to serve, ensuring that every patient I care for feels supported, valued, and well cared for.

In my work, I value starting each day with a positive attitude and a smile, even at 6 AM, because I believe as healthcare providers we should be grateful that the Lord has blessed us with another day. I'm very faith-based oriented and work closely with our church, Impact of the Woodlands, where I serve as a greeter with the welcoming committee. I love being involved and making a difference in healthcare through my volunteer work with the American Heart Association and the Houston Breast Cancer Walk, where I participate year after year. In my personal life, I cherish spending quality time with my family, which includes my husband and my two kids who are now both adults. We enjoy going out to the movies to watch new releases, and we're food critics who love trying new restaurants together. My faith, family, and commitment to serving others in healthcare are what matter most to me.