ROCK SPRINGS — The science and critical thinking required to do his job is what Registered Nurse Weston Turner likes most about healthcare.
Turner is Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County’s new Nursing Director of Acute Care Services, which includes overseeing the Medical/Surgical Floor, ICU, and Outpatient Services.
“Weston is an experienced ICU nurse and has been a valuable member of the Acute Care Services team,” Interim Chief Nursing Officer Ann Clevenger said. “In addition, before becoming a nurse, Weston gained leadership experience in business.”
Prior to moving into the healthcare field, Turner worked as a teller operations specialist manager. During that time, he was earning a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas.
“Public administration was never a dream for me,” he said. “I worked in banking for 10 years before realizing I wanted to change careers.”
He enrolled in a Certified Nursing Assistant course, got into nursing school and then completed an accelerated nursing course. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the Research College of Nursing/Rockhurst University, in Kansas City, Mo.
Turner has worked in healthcare since 2011, including as a patient care assistant, a registered nurse in a progressive care unit and a registered nurse for the Sweetwater County Detention Center.
“Nursing is a challenging and rewarding profession,” he said. “The science and critical thinking attracted me to the profession. I honestly feel I can make a difference in someone’s life by providing basic care to people.”
Working in MHSC’s ICU since 2020, Turner said it’s been a humbling experience.
“I’ve always tried to be a team player, and the ICU has proven to be a place where teamwork is a necessity,” he said. “Both peer and mentors have helped me grow as a nurse, proving that I can always learn.”
Turner said his spare time is divided “amongst my family of girls. We enjoy golfing, pickle ball, gymnastics, softball, and other aspects of the outdoors.”
