February 14, 2022

Meet Nermina Bektic, LPN

LPN - Hand & Microsurgery

Nermina is a hand & microsurgery LPN at the Center for Advanced Medicine and Orthopedic Center in Chesterfield. 

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in Bosnia and Herzegovina until eight years of age. My family relocated to the United States in 1999 after the war in Bosnia in an attempt to build a better life for all of us. We ended up settling in St. Louis, where the majority of Bosnians settled after fleeing their homeland.  Fun fact: St. Louis is also known as "Little Bosnia" because it has the largest population of Bosnians outside of Europe and I am proud to call this city my "home" now.

What brought you to Washington University Orthopedics? 

I can't image being anywhere else, I love my job and the people I work with. I worked for WashU before I gave birth to my second daughter, and when I was ready to start working again, I knew I wanted to be back at WashU because I loved everything about it. -After my interview with Orthopedics, I felt so welcomed and almost like I had already been a part of this team. I'd like to thank Sarah, Karen, and Kelly for making the interview and hiring  process as smooth as it was, and for offering me the opportunity to be part of such a great team! 

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

The most interesting aspect of my work would be the "hands on" stuff: removing sutures, staples, dressing changes, wound care, etc. The most rewarding part is making our patients happy, whether that be scheduling surgeries, coordinating appointments, arranging diagnostic studies, or something as simple as having a comforting conversation with them. 

Sometimes, just walking them through the process of undergoing a simple surgery is more than enough to make them happy, and other times it involves going the "extra-mile" to make something happen for a family. It is all worth it because there is no better feeling than knowing you have made someone's day by getting them where they need to be and making the process that much easier for them.

I work with Dr. Goldfarb, primarily, but I am part of a team, which means I get to work will all hand-team surgeons at some point. That's what makes this job that much better! If it wasn't for Dr. Goldfarb and his support, I probably wouldn't be here now, but here I am, over four years later, so proud to be a part of a team in which my coworkers have become my friends. Being a part of something so great - it just makes the workday so much easier and more enjoyable.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work? 

I love to travel. If I could do it for a living, I'd travel the world. I love to see and explore new places and experience different cultures. I also love to just relax at home and enjoy time with my husband and our daughters by watching movies and playing games. We especially love spending time outdoors when the weather permits; we enjoy taking long walks and sitting in our backyard just relaxing while the kids play around.

What's the best advice you've ever received? 

"Don't let the things you can't control, control you." I try to live by this in every aspect of my life (work, family, motherhood, marriage) literally every aspect of life.

If you weren't in healthcare, what would you like to be doing?

I'd probably be doing something around traveling, perhaps a travel agent? I'd enjoy sending people around the world while getting myself on some flights as well.  I have been involved in healthcare since I was about 10 years old so it's hard to imagine myself doing anything else. I spent a great amount of time in hospitals and doctors' offices translating for my family. I don't know why they thought it would be a great idea to bring a child to translate or explain anything, let alone a medical procedure. Luckily, we've come a long way in interpreter services since then!

Tell us about your family!

I have been happily married for almost 12 years. My husband's name is Mensur, and together we have three beautiful daughters. Our oldest is Alina (10) who is the most mature 10 year-old I've ever met! She is so helpful around the house and with her younger siblings and the most responsible kid ever. Sajra (5) is a little firecracker and true sour patch kid, yet so caring and loving, she will give you anything and everything. Then we have Meriem (2.5) who takes after the middle one but is five times worse and doesn't take "no" for an answer (and  doesn't care much for showing love towards others!). This family of mine is what completes me and I can't imagine life without them.