February 05, 2024
Meet Jackie King
Clinical Nurse Coordinator
Where are you from? 
Born and raised in STL, I went to Clayton High School. I attended Emory for my BS in neuroscience and behavioral biology and earned my masters at Vanderbilt.
What brought you to Washington University Orthopedics?
I am a lifelong athlete, as I still play co-ed soccer almost every week! I always had a desire to be involved in caring for athletes. I trained in ortho at Vanderbilt and I have always appreciated getting people back to activity! When an opening arose in the department, I jumped at the opportunity!
How do you support the department?
I have a very special role as not only a clinical nurse coordinator, but also research coordinator for the reconstruction team including Robert Barrack, MD; Ryan Nunley, MD; Andrew Schneider, MD; Kimberly Bartosiak, MD; and Ilya Bendich, MD, MBA.
What aspect of your work do you find most interesting or rewarding?
I am always willing to go above and beyond to make the surgical experience as smooth and pleasant as possible. I love patient care - learning about each patient’s challenges and helping them get back to what they love to do.
As a research nurse, I am involved with studies that advance knowledge and patient care in joint replacement, like patient remote monitoring which allowed me to receive the Chitranjan Ranawat Award this year for my participation in the 'Tourniquet Use Does Not impact Trajectory of Total Knee Arthroplasty Early Recovery: A prospective, Randomized Controlled Trial.'
Additionally, I have the opportunity to travel to national meetings, interact even more with fellows and residents and help educate them along with the other nurses. Because I engage with multiple surgeons for these studies, I have an additional chance to positively impact even more patient experiences and recovery journey. I really love what I do and feel truly blessed to do it!
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work? 
I am adventurer and sports fanatic so it depends on the season! I obviously loved cheering on the STL City team in its inaugural season. However, I am a lifelong Cardinals fan and they hold a special place in my heart so going to games all season long is a must for me. I love being outdoors hiking, biking, surfing, and just being in nature. During the winter I always make sure to get in a ski trip as it is probably my favorite sport to actively participate.
What's the best advice you ever received?
Enjoy the moment and be true to yourself while always being kind.
If you weren't in health care, what would you like to be doing?
I was almost a marine biologist and LOVE the ocean and its creatures. I also have a great love for protecting the environment and trying to learn and educate everyone to live more sustainably!
Anything else you'd like to share?
I am a single mom of two beautiful children, Brighton 8 and Grayson 12. They are the light of my life and can almost always be found together, especially at sporting events and on the slopes! I am also deeply passionate about living sustainably and eating as clean as possible, and encouraging others do the same including my patients and coworkers!
Learn why patient's choose Washington University Orthopedics, request an appointment online or call (314) 514-3500.