Meet Shannon Longstreet, Patient Care Manager at CoxHealth Urgent Care Nixa:

"I am currently the manager at Nixa Urgent Care and previously worked at Turner Urgent Care. I also have a background in orthopedics, neurosurgery, medical telemetry and post-anesthesia care (PACU). During the COVID-19 pandemic, while working at a different hospital, my unit merged with several others to accommodate the influx of patients. These included gastrointestinal/genitourinary, trauma and cardiac units.

"My connection to CoxHealth began at a young age. When I was 10, I experienced concerning symptoms that led me to see Dr. David Lafevers at the CoxHealth Clinic in Branson West. After several tests, I was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Arrangements were quickly made to transfer me to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, for treatment.

"Throughout the years, my providers, nurses, technicians and other staff went above and beyond to deliver the best care possible. They always put the patient first and treated their work as both meaningful and vital. Dr. Lafevers continued to follow up with me during my treatment and even offered guidance as I explored different areas of health care while choosing my career path. He was a genuine person who made patients feel like friends. Even at 10 years old, I knew I wanted to be just like Dr. David when I grew up.

"My experience as a patient has given me valuable insight and perspective as a nurse. Each shift, I remind myself of Dr. Lafevers’ wise words: “Have a great day, do good things, have fun, learn lots and be a decent human being.”

"Since starting my nursing career, I have earned my medical-surgical nursing certification and orthopedic nurse certification. I’ve participated in multiple clinical ladder programs, presented at CoxHealth’s LEARN program, and served as a member of both the Unit-Based Committee and the Nursing and Therapies Research Council. I’ve also received multiple DAISY Award nominations."

National Hospital Week 2025: You Matter. You Make a Difference.