Pictured: Jamie Copeland

Meet Jamie!

MRH Wound Care Nurse Jamie Copeland loves science and helping people.

“Understanding the body’s mechanisms and seeing how it can heal brings me great joy,” she said. “Patients are next in line. I try to think about going to the hospital/doctor and how overwhelming and scary it is, and with that I try to make my patients feel comfortable and in control.”

On a typical morning you’ll find Jamie prepping rooms for patient care, getting supplies ready for the day, calling patients to check in on them and answer their questions, then beginning to see patients as they arrive for their appointments. “I primarily provide safe and effective care to patients with various types of wounds,” Jamie said, “specializing in wound measurement, assessment, dressing application, and the development of tailored treatment plans.”

Jamie’s passion for science helps her provide the right care to the right patient. Effective treatments might include the use of maggots, fish skin, skin grafts, debridement, and wound vacs. She also loves training other MRH nurses on wound-care techniques and is happy to float to help out other departments when her schedule allows.

Jamie, a Craig native who was born at The Memorial Hospital, first took an interest in nursing in 4th grade, when her teacher, Mrs. Graff, took Jamie and her classmates to visit the Sandrock Ridge long-term care facility to play bingo with the residents.

“It ended up being my favorite thing to do, and I continued going and playing games with the residents for years,” Jamie said. “I then became a CNA and worked with seniors for 15 years before coming to work for MRH.”

The coworker who nominated Jamie as an MRH Unsung Hero praised her capacity to provide the best care as well as support her colleagues. “Jamie actively seeks additional education to improve her skills and approaches each situation with the patient’s best interest in mind while also supporting her coworkers,” the nomination said. “Candid in her approach, she identifies issues in processes that need attention or change. She is always in the right place to support her team, ready to lend a helping hand—or a laugh—to her coworkers.”

“I do love the care and love of our tightknit community,” Jamie said. “Craig is wonderful about seeing a need and filling a need.”

Outside of work, Jamie enjoys kayaking, camping, and especially fishing. Saltwater fishing is her favorite, but she and her husband and their three children and one grandchild all enjoy spending time outdoors (in the summer; she’s not a fan of the cold) and will fish whatever open water they can.

Jamie, we’re grateful for your commitment to ongoing education, excellence of care, and lending a hand at MRH wherever you’re needed. Your coworkers and patients appreciate you. And thanks for making us laugh, too.