Misti Gardner – Shelbyville, Tennessee
WHAT IS YOUR OCCUPATION?
Registered Nurse
WHERE DO YOU WORK?
Bedford County Health Department
WHAT DOES YOUR JOB ENTAIL? TELL US ABOUT A TYPICAL DAY FOR YOU.
As a public health nurse, I educate patients about health issues, improve community health and safety and increase access to care. Our public health mission statement is to protect, promote and improve the health and prosperity of people in Tennessee.
A typical day as a public health nurse varies from day to day depending on patient needs. I perform EPSD&T's (well child exams), give immunizations, educate patients on family planning services and on contraceptive methods, perform STI screenings and treatments, as well as newborn screenings all per public health nursing protocol.
HOW HAS THE CORONAVIRUS AFFECTED YOUR JOB?
The unprecedented times has made me change gears from my normal nursing duties. During this pandemic I am now wearing a hazardous material suit to perform the COVID-19 test and counsel the citizens of Bedford County on the dangers of this virus.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE HORSE BUSINESS AND/OR HOW ARE YOU RELATED TO THE TENNESSEE WALKING HORSE INDUSTRY?
I have been in the horse business all my life. I grew up showing horses and trail riding. I was blessed to have married Dickie Gardner, who is a local horse trainer as most of you know.
DO YOU CURRENTLY HAVE HORSES IN TRAINING AND IF SO WHO ARE THEY AND WHO IS YOUR TRAINER?
I own several horses and am very active in trail riding and showing horses with my twin daughters Cheyanne and Dakoda Gardner. My husband Dickie Gardner trains our horses.
TELL US ABOUT A SPECIAL HORSE RELATED MEMORY WHETHER IN THE RING, ON THE TRAIL OR AT THE BARN?
My special memory is a recent one watching my twin daughters win world championships on the same horse, Score Diamond In The Ruff, at the 2019 Celebration.
DO YOU HAVE ANY PERSONAL WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO PASS ALONG TO YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY IN THE HORSE INDUSTRY?
Do not fear this virus but respect it! Lean on Jesus, pray where you are, stay positive, be uplifting and be a witness that God is with us every step of the way!!!