This week, our Women’s History Month spotlight is focused on Nancy Plemmons, FNP-C and one of our Regional Medical Directors. Nancy has been a Family Nurse Practitioner for over 35 years and has been a part of our Everside family for an amazing 14 years. While Nancy lives our Everside core values of Patients first, Ingenuity, Courage, and Community everyday, her favorite is Fun. Thank you, Nancy for your dedication to our patients and our team, and infusing more fun into all our lives!
Is there a woman who has been especially inspiring to you?
My mother- She is a very bright woman whose career potential in life was not realized. Her father immigrated from Prussia and had a strong cultural-based belief that the role of a woman was to be a homemaker. Therefore, mom was not allowed to seek continued education or a college degree. She had aspired to pursue a medical career but instead poured her talents and passion into the art of motherhood. My mother fiercely advocated higher education for her children and saved her pennies so that we would have the opportunity to get a college degree, and we all did. Her generous kindness is an inspiration to everyone who knows her, and the three of us who were privileged enough to experience her motherhood firsthand, have been truly blessed.
What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
Women’s History Month gives us a chance to acknowledge key contributions to brave forward-thinking people who have made a positive impact for all of us. I love the idea of celebrating great individuals in our history. Acknowledging past successes helps guide our future successes. I applaud the great women in our history because they inspire us all to be better.
I applaud the great women in our history because they inspire us all to be better.
There have been a number of exciting advancements for women over the last few years. What progress would you like to see in the next few years?
Several years ago, I belonged to a wonderful group of female medical professionals from all aspects of the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill NC medical world. We got together monthly to discuss women’s health and social issues. Our goal was to make as much positive impact possible within our spheres of influence. We also served as emotional supports for each other. Our strength was in our deep respect for each other and our desire to lift each other up. I would like to see more women’s groups formed like this group. I would also like to see more societal efforts focused on the plight of women around the world who suffer from domestic violence, oppression and sex trafficking.
What advice do you have for the next generation of female leaders?
- Seek out a mentor. Leaders who inspire you likely touch the inner leader already within yourself. Stay close and grow from their wisdom
- Women can lead in many different situations- some of the most impressive female leadership may occur at home while raising their families.
- Embrace kindness and be brave while you strive to do the next right thing.