Christina Flint-Lowe, a nurse practitioner at Bay Pines VA, works continuously to ensure Veterans and their loved ones know they are safe at the VA.
“What I value about working at VA is that we approach challenges with our Veterans’ care at the forefront. When I worked in the private sector, the model was always very results-driven, but being here flips the script a little. I get to honor the Veteran with each decision I make,” says Flint-Lowe.
Flint-Lowe’s connection to her culture didn’t deepen until she became an adult, and her heritage and work are inextricably intertwined.
Daily Nurse is proud to name Christina Flint-Lowe our Nurse of the Week for her dedicated service to our Veterans and outreach to local native communities to educate staff about Native American customs and traditions.
“I am a member of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. I didn’t grow up on the reservation, but my grandparents were part of the community. Growing up, they didn’t talk much about being native, but I think part of that was a protective feature. They were living in a time when it wasn’t popular to identify as being Native American.”
When Flint-Lowe visited her reservation, there was a familiar feeling. The more she learned, the more knowledge she craved, and the desire for understanding deepened when she gave birth to her son.
“My want to learn is for myself and my son because I want to pass our heritage on to him. Later in my adulthood, I decided to go back to school to receive my master’s in Native American Leadership. Through those courses, I realized I have a responsibility to something greater than myself.”
In addition to her role as a nurse practitioner, Flint-Lowe also serves as Bay Pines VA’s American Indian/Alaska Native Special Emphasis program manager. In this role, she conducts outreach to local native communities and educates staff about various customs and traditions.
“I encourage people to remain curious and open because, through that process, people reach a mutual understanding and respect of one another. My story is just one of many, but I feel honored to be a representative of the community. It’s something I don’t take lightly.”
Flint-Lowe has never shied away from voicing what she feels is right but knows that being a representative in any capacity requires balance. Advocacy remains at the forefront of her mind as both a nurse practitioner and a Special Emphasis program manager.
“My work requires managing my expectations while truly considering the needs of those around me. Being provided the opportunity to have leadership in both roles at VA fills me with gratitude.”
Nominate a Nurse of the Week! Every Wednesday, DailyNurse.com features a nurse making a difference in the lives of their patients, students, and colleagues. We encourage you to nominate a nurse who has impacted your life as the next Nurse of the Week, and we’ll feature them online and in our weekly newsletter.
