September 18, 2023

Meet Jerica Putman 

Clinical Nurse Coordinator 

Where are you from? 

Poplar Bluff, MO.

What brought you to Washington University Living Well Center (LWC)? 

A nurse mentor asked what my dream nursing job would be. I wanted to work in wellness/holistic care for years. My nurse mentor was aware of the LWC pilot program and open nursing position with Dr. Heidi Prather and connected me with the nurse manager of physiatry.

How do you support the Living Well Center?

I assist with scheduling, referrals, patient education, and coordination of classes, shared medical appointments, and all LWC services.

What aspect of your work do you find most interesting or rewarding?

Seeing the encouragement patients experience once they realize they have the tools/ability to take control of their health and hearing their success stories. We have patients that lose weight, avoid surgery, qualify for surgery, decrease medication usage and/or no longer need medication, can exercise with less pain, and have a better quality of life. 

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work? 

Being active, outdoors, and on the water. Some of my favorites include weight lifting, kayaking, softball, walking my dogs, and boating.

What's the best advice you ever received?

I have two, both came from my parents. My father taught me to never rely on anyone to take care of me - this fostered strength, confidence, focus, and discipline in many areas of my life. My mother taught me to always be kind - even if I fall short my ultimate goal is to be kind to everyone. 

Learn more about the Washington University Living Well Center.