‘Do it right’ … a lesson learned early in life

Grandfather’s advice basis of nurse’s philosophy

From her start as a Candy Striper volunteer at age 13 to current director of surgical services at Siloam Springs Memorial Hospital, Danette Cripps’ life has revolved around caring for others.

A 20-year veteran of nursing, Cripps is the 2009 Patient Choice Award winner at SSMH, an honor for which she was nominated by a patient who said Cripps comforted her and helped her relax when she was extremely anxious before a procedure.

Following her grandfather, O.A. Draper’s, mantra, “If you can’t do it right, don’t do it at all,” Cripps’ philosophy of nursing is to provide the highest level of care possible in a compassionate and efficient manner.

Cripps’ first paid job at the hospital was as a ward clerk, and then as a nurse aide. She continued her education toward becoming a registered nurse while working at the hospital and received an associate degree in nursing from the University of Arkansas in 1988. She worked as a registered nurse at a local medical clinic, hospital emergency room and operating room. She later obtained a bachelor of science in nursing from Oklahoma Wesleyan University and was named director of surgical services at SSMH in early 2009. 

Cripps’ long history with SSMH was influenced early on by her mother, Mary Beth Draper, who also is a registered nurse.

“When I was little, Mother would bring me and my brother and sister to the hospital sometimes while she worked in OR,” Cripps said. “We would sit in central supply and the staff taught us to fold towels. I also practiced my handwriting, and she would come check and see if my handwriting was improving.”

What is life like away from the hospital? Cripps and her husband, Vester, fire chief with the Gentry Fire Department, and their son, Aaron, 11, operate a cattle farm between Siloam Springs and Gentry. At home, she carries on with the usual responsibilities of caring for her family and occasionally driving a truck to load hay bales during baling season.

Cripps, along with her sister and brother-in-law, Tresa and Rick Craft, founded White Mouse Puppet Ministries, an outreach ministry, six years ago. The ministry has about 20 members who represent five area churches. The ministry group perform musical puppet routines in 30-minute or one-hour shows free of charge at area churches.

As a nurse, Cripps “gets to help people,” something she really enjoys, she said. “I consider nursing a profession and not just a job, and I’m glad to carry on the family tradition.”

The Patient Choice Nursing Award honors nursing excellence and is selected from nominations received from the hospital’s former patients and their families.

Chief Nursing Officer Cindy Kugel said the nursing staff at SSMH is among the best. “It’s very fitting that those people who have received care from our nursing staff nominate nurses for the Patient Choice Award,” she said. “Danette sets a great example for all of our nurses. She always puts patients first; she is kind and compassionate and wants her patients to have a great experience while in her care. I am very pleased that Danette was chosen for this award.”