Serving Beyond: Timothy Stevenson, RN Paving The Way
Growing up in the small town of Ellerbe, North Carolina, Timothy Stevenson and his brothers did not have the opportunity to experience many options related to choosing a career or pathway to success. Fortunately, for they had a hardworking grandfather, who was a sharecropper, and grandmother, who was a midwife. Steven credits hits childhood experiences for building his character and integrity, which has played a role in his professional career as a Registered Nurse.
Timothy has been a nurse for 17 years, and has worked in the orthopedic setting, as well as a hospice and travel nursing agency as Director of Nursing. For the past 10 years, Timothy has served as Director of St. Augustine University’s Joseph G. Gordon Health Center, where he provides health education, counsel and support to St. Augustine University’s students. Timothy is the first black male nurse in the university’s history, and proudly makes his mark on the student’s life as he serves beyond on campus and in the local community. He shares his journey and experiences as a nurse serving in this capacity.
SW: What attracted you to the healthcare profession, particularly nursing?
TS: As I child I would visit with my grandmother and the elderly in the community, and they made me feel as if I truly helped them feel better just by visiting with them. Checking up on the elderly and the sick is something that came natural to me as a child.
SW: Do you feel you are making the impact you desire with students in your day-to-day RN position?
TS: Being the Director of an HBCU infirmary is a 24- hour responsibility. The education, counsel and support that the students need go far beyond a “9-5” RN position. Our students graduate with the ability to discuss health topics, and most importantly educate others on ways to prevent certain health disparities that affect people that look like us. This perspective is not intended to rule out other cultures; however, there is a need for people of color to understand health topics. So, yes, I feel as though I am making an impact on our students and community. The students are positively affected and in return they educate their family, friends, churches, and individual organizations. This is how you create a community of health awareness.
SW: Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years as an RN?
TS: I am currently taking classes to obtain my BSN at North Carolina Central University, with plans to enroll in a Physician Assistant (PA) Program. Regardless of the PA credentials, I will always volunteer my services to the community. Being able to share what I have learned as a Registered Nurse has been a true blessing, and I understand in the grand scheme of things I will be serving God in the capacity of an RN or PA, no matter where He takes me. I will always be His servant and in the service field.
SW: Let’s talk about your radio show, Mary & Tim’s Health Awareness with Dr. Darkes, on St. Augustine University’s campus. Why did you decide to assist with student’s overall health & wellness in this capacity?
TS: This platform allows us the opportunity to communicate with the appropriate age group, ranging from late teens and up. The radio show is in transition at this point and time. We have plans to air the show on Hot 97.9 FM and through internet radio. Look forward to the getting your ears full of healthy living tips around 9:30 am Sunday mornings!
SW: When did you know it was time to serve beyond nursing in the traditional healthcare setting and become involved in your local community?
TS: Through my involvement with young students and parents over the past 10 years as a nurse and Director of the Joseph G. Gordon Health Center, I knew I had to do more to educate the community. We still have communities that believe in urban legends and don’t have access to modern day clinics and education that directly affect them. Knowing these facts motivated me to become more involved with the community. I am a part of several organizations that educate and give back to the community and focus on dealing with overall health. I am praying every day that God will place me in a global network so I can reach the world. “Knowledge is wealth” and I believe my position as a RN is a blessing. Some say nursing chose me, but I know that God did it.
SW: What tips do you have for RNs or others in the healthcare field who desire to branch out into another aspect of serving as a healthcare professional, whether in the community, media or business ownership?
TS: Volunteering is the key to serving and connecting with the community. I refer to the Bible verse: 1 John 3:18, “Dear children, lets us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
- Start with your local churches and see what health-related educational needs they may have.
- Get involved with groups that support health issues, such as the Nation Cancer society.
- Call local schools and become involved with health fairs.
SW: How can our readers connect with you?
TS: I can be contacted via email at tbstevenson@st-aug.edu or at 919-516-4304.
If you are a Healthcare Professional serving beyond your regular job and/or duties, please contact us at info@spectacularmag,com and tell us about yourself and your work. We’re always looking for awesome people to feature.