Humankindness at Work: Stacy Spitzmueller, Pre-Op Nurse

Within the bustling corridors of both St. Luke's Health-Springwoods Village and The Woodlands Hospital, one finds a calming and compassionate presence in Stacy Spitzmueller, a pre-operative nurse whose dedication extends far beyond medical care.

For Stacy, nursing is not just a profession; it's a calling, a vessel through which she channels humankindness, deeply rooted in her faith, to support patients and colleagues alike.

With an impressive 25 years in this type of preoperative role and a remarkable 46 years as a nurse, Stacy is a seasoned veteran. Her days are a dynamic blend of preparing patients for a full spectrum of surgeries and endoscopies. From meticulously warming beds and gathering equipment to reviewing medical history, starting IVs and communicating with surgical teams, Stacy’s work is thorough and critical. She also extends her warmth to families, educating them on what to expect.

Yet, beyond the essential medical tasks, Stacy thrives on assisting the anxious patients - understanding that these individuals are often vulnerable, and she relishes the opportunity to help people relax. "I love educating patients and making them comfortable," she shares, embracing her role in bringing comfort and clarity during a challenging time.
For Stacy, the faith-based foundation of St. Luke’s Health is its truly distinguishing feature. It provides her with a unique and cherished opportunity: She loves to pray with patients and it gives her a great opportunity.

When asked how she emits humankindness, Stacy humbly states, "I’m grateful that God uses her to be the mouthpiece for the prayer. She cannot take the glory – it’s all God." This profound belief underpins her entire approach.

For Stacy, genuine humankindness is a collective endeavor: "The more that we can partner and be kind to each other – the better our days are, the better we feel, the better the patients feel." She cherishes the ability to make individuals feel important, reminding them through prayer that "God loves them and will take care of them," especially in moments of anxiety where such reassurances can be easily forgotten.

Outside of work, Stacy is a devoted family woman with three children and seven grandchildren. Sunday church attendance is a priority, and she enjoys the companionship of her goldendoodle, JoJo.

She is deeply proud of how her faith amplifies all other aspects of her life. "The more that I walk with my  faith – the more that other things shine," she beams, striving to grow each day as a mom, grandma, nurse, friend and co-worker. She lives by the mantra, "Breathe in Jesus, breathe out the worry," a practical and powerful tool for coping with stress.

Stacy Spitzmueller is more than a preoperative nurse; she is a testament to the transformative power of faith intertwined with compassionate care. Her unwavering belief in God's guiding hand allows her to emit a profound sense of humankindness, touching the lives of everyone she encounters.

Interested in making a difference and helping build healthier communities? Explore current career opportunities at CommonSpirit Health.