From Patient to Leader: Connie Deck Reflects on 40 Years at CoxHealth

Connie Deck, administrative director of nursing, began her 40-year career at CoxHealth not as an employee, but as a patient on a trip to the hospital.

“It was kind of a broken path that led me to where I’m at right now,” says Connie. “As a senior in high school, I had no idea what I wanted to do. Nursing was always in the back of my mind, but I just didn’t think I’d be able to do it.”

Now, as she approaches her final days before retirement, Connie has been reflecting on the unexpected turns that brought her to where she is today.

One such moment came when an ankle injury landed her in the emergency room at Cox North. While receiving an X-ray, Connie reconnected with an old classmate and discovered a career path that intrigued her: radiology.

“When I was in radiology school, I spent time in the Intensive Care Units, and I thought, ‘This is what I want to do. I want to be a critical care nurse!’,” says Connie. “So, I worked full-time in radiation oncology while completing my prerequisites for nursing school. It wasn’t easy, but I loved every minute of it.”

After completing her prerequisites, Connie attended the Burge School of Nursing while working weekends as a radiation technologist. Upon graduation, she was hired in the Critical Care Unit at Cox North.

About a year and a half later, she became the nurse manager of the unit, a role she held for nearly a decade.

“I just loved being in Critical Care. I loved being a leader and being able to help work through problems for the staff,” says Connie.

When an opportunity arose for Connie to oversee teams at both Cox North and Cox South, she knew it was time to take the next step. She applied and has served in her current role ever since.

Over the years, Connie has witnessed significant milestones and advancements in both health care and CoxHealth, many of which hold a special place in her heart.

She recalls working with the first CoxHealth Family Medicine Residency class at Cox North (with only four residents!), collaborating with Dr. Mark Carlson to introduce a scoring system for treating medical detox patients and earning Magnet Designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center – the highest honor for nursing excellence.

Reflecting on her education and career, Connie says her time at CoxHealth has been more than just a job; it’s been a part of who she is.

“I was born at Burge, grew up in Springfield and started my career here. It’s all been part of who I am,” says Connie. “CoxHealth was the hospital I was most familiar with growing up. It’s where my grandmother volunteered, where I received a scholarship to nursing school and where I’ve built my career. It’s always felt like the right place for me. Every opportunity I’ve had to grow and advance has been right here. I’ve never felt the need to go anywhere else.”

Congratulations, Connie, on 40 incredible years at CoxHealth! Your leadership, expertise and dedication have made a profound impact on our organization, community and the patients we serve.