July 21, 2021
Meet Andrea Spates, RN, MSN
Nurse Admin, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation - Neuro-Rehab
Where are you from?
I am from the South Side of Chicago. Fun fact about my hometown is we are known for great food and festivals!
What made you choose health care and/or orthopedics as a specialty to work in?
Since kindergarten, I always wanted to be a nurse and to help people. As I prepared to declare a major in college, I knew I wanted to make an impact on the overall health and wellness of the community.
What brought you to Washington University Orthopedics?
I was working at Barnes-Jewish Hospital for over 10 years, and when the time came to transition to a leadership role that was more patient-facing, I wanted to be a part of an organization that continuously strives for excellence and uplifting their team. WashU Ortho was definitely it.
What aspect of your work do you find most interesting or rewarding?
The most interesting part about my job is you never know what is going to happen next!
Have you ever had to employ your special nurse skills outside of the clinic?
Absolutely! I am a member of Chi Eta Phi Nurses Sorority, Inc. Through the organization, I have participated in several events in which we provided health screenings to individuals in the community. There have been several times that a simple blood pressure screening turned into a discussion about finding a primary care provider, understanding your meds, the importance of diet and exercise, or sending patients to urgent care or the ED for immediate care.
You're a member of the Department's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) committee. What do you hope to achieve in that group?
As a member of the DEI committee, I hope to assist with implementation of sustainable programs that promote diverse practices within the department, including recruitment and mentorship for team members. For the community, I hope to continue to build partnerships with community organizations to help eliminate health disparities, and most importantly, build the community’s trust in the health system.
What’s the best advice you ever received?
The best advice I received was from a patient and retired nurse. She said, "Never forget where you come from." She gave me this advice as a student nurse tech and explained that as you go through your career, never forget you were once a student. Humility is the key to any successful career and helps the person coming behind you to get ahead.
What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work?
My favorite thing to do outside of work is to cook and work out with my family (my husband, daughter, and I try to work out at least three times a week together). Bike rides or long walks are the absolute best!
My favorite thing to cook is cookies (but I am most known for my cheesecake, stuffed seafood shells and BBQ baked beans). During the holidays, my daughter and I make two different types of cookies every weekend between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
If you weren’t a nurse/in health care, what would you like to be doing?
If I were not a nurse, I would be a restaurateur and party planner. I love to plan kids' birthday parties. My daughter was always known at school for having themed birthday parties with great party bags. We have had a Sesame Street party (guest starring Elmo), costume parties, a Minnie Mouse theme, and an emoji party (with a selfie station). I have already started to plan her Sweet Sixteen Sneaker Ball in 2023!
Andrea's office location is at the Washington University and Barnes-Jewish Orthopedic Center in Chesterfield. Learn more about Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and why patients choose Washington University Orthopedics.