Influential Woman · Healthcare
Sparkle Plummer, BSN, RN
Nurse, Author of Stethoscopes & Sippy Cups: Calm in the Chaos
El Paso, TX 79902
I had to shift from working hard to thinking like a business owner; Building a practice requires planning, strategy, and a long-term vision, not just clinical skills.
Sparkle Plummer, BSN, RN · In Her Own Words
In Conversation
Sparkle Plummer, BSN, RN for Bold. Brilliant. Unstoppable.
Read the transcript
Sparkle Plummer, BSN, RN: Being an influential woman means turning every challenge into a source of strength and every achievement into a bridge that helps others rise. As a nurse, mother, veteran, student, and author, I strive to live with purpose, resilience, faith, and hard work, even when life gets demanding. To me, influence isn't about recognition. It's about lifting others as I grow, inspiring my children, and reminding women that no matter their circumstances, they have the power to pursue their dreams and build meaningful lives.
What's one piece of advice you would give to younger women chasing their dreams?
Sparkle Plummer, BSN, RN: My advice to younger women is simple. Never sell yourself short or let fear convince you that you can achieve more. You don't have to have everything figured out to get started, and you don't need anyone's permission to go after the life you want. Stay disciplined, believe in yourself, and remember that setbacks don't mean you're failing. They're part of growing. Your circumstances may shape your journey, but they don't have to define your future.
Her Story
About Sparkle
Sparkle Plummer is a dedicated nursing professional specializing in medical-surgical and psychiatric nursing, with approximately four years of experience in healthcare. Following four and a half years of service in the U.S. Army, she transitioned into healthcare, bringing a strong foundation of discipline, perseverance, leadership, and service.
In her medical-surgical nursing role at a long-term care acute rehabilitation facility, Plummer provides direct patient care, administers medications, monitors vital signs, and maintains accurate patient records while managing five to six patients during demanding 12- to 12.5-hour shifts. She also serves in psychiatric nursing, where she continues to expand her clinical experience and strengthen her commitment to supporting patients with diverse healthcare needs.
Committed to lifelong learning and professional advancement, Plummer earned her Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting from Southwest University in 2019, graduating with a 3.8 GPA. She completed a fast-track Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Western Technical College in El Paso, Texas, in 2022, graduating with honors and a 3.8 GPA. She is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Nursing at The University of Texas at El Paso to become a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Her goal is to expand access to high-quality mental health care and make a broader impact on the patients and communities she serves.
During her military service, Plummer received several honors, including the Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM), Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Overseas Service Ribbon.
Beyond her professional and academic commitments, Plummer is a proud single mother of two who values resilience, compassion, and the opportunity to inspire others through her experiences. She is a member of the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the National Society of Leadership and Success, and she volunteers with Crisis Text Line, supporting individuals experiencing emotional distress.
A passionate writer, Plummer has published two essays on Medium. She is also the author of Stethoscopes & Sippy Cups: Calm in the Chaos, a heartfelt and empowering reflection on navigating life as a nurse, single mother, and woman of faith. Through personal experiences and spiritual insights, the book explores resilience, burnout, motherhood, self-care, and personal healing. Its companion, Stethoscopes & Sippy Cups Healing & Reflection Workbook: Companion to Calm in the Chaos, offers guided reflections to help readers reconnect with themselves, find balance, and prioritize their well-being. Together, these works inspire nurses, mothers, and women from all walks of life to embrace their strength, pursue healing, and find peace amid life’s challenges.
Through her nursing practice, continued education, volunteer service, and writing, Plummer strives to demonstrate that perseverance and purpose can help individuals navigate life’s challenges while pursuing meaningful goals. Her commitment to compassionate care, personal growth, and empowering others reflects her dedication to making a lasting difference in both her profession and her community.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sparkle
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my spirituality, the discipline I developed during my military service, and my resilience. My faith keeps me grounded, while my military background taught me to remain committed and persevere through challenges. As a mother, I hope to inspire my children and show other single mothers that they can pursue their goals and create the life they envision, regardless of their circumstances.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I can offer is to never sell yourself short or limit your potential based on what you believe you can achieve. Pursue work you genuinely love, trust your abilities, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. When you are passionate about what you do, your work becomes more meaningful—and you become more motivated to continue learning, growing, and reaching new goals.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The advice I would give to young women entering my industry would be to prioritize self-care and make time for your family. Nursing is a demanding profession, and burnout is real. Some workplaces may make you feel guilty for taking time off, but rest is necessary—not a luxury. Do not let that pressure cause you to lose yourself while caring for everyone else. Your health, happiness, and family deserve the same compassion, attention, and care that you give your patients.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in nursing is being overworked and underpaid while managing long 12-hour shifts—or even longer. The demands of the profession can take a significant physical and emotional toll. However, nursing also offers tremendous opportunities. There is a continued need for nurses, and the profession provides flexibility, job security, and the ability to work nationally or internationally. Nurses can also advance into specialized roles and leadership positions, which is one of the reasons I chose to pursue my PMHNP degree.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The Army values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage continue to guide me in both my professional and personal life. I believe in leading by example, treating others with respect, and holding myself accountable. Above all, my children come first. Before I am a nurse, a student, or an author, I am a mother. While my career is important to me, being present for my children and setting an example they can be proud of will always remain my greatest priority.
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