Denecia Lewis always knew she wanted to take care of others. “People would ask me, “What do you want to be when you grow up? For as long as I can remember, I always replied, ‘A nurse.’”

Lewis comes from a long line of devoted nurses. “My mother was a nurse, and so was her mother.”

Her dream came with an action plan, which she put into motion at the University of Texas at Tyler. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2011, she stayed in the “rose capital of America” to serve as part of the medical/surgical unit at Mother Frances Hospital.

While caring for her surgical patients, Lewis crossed paths with a nurse practitioner who supported a group of trauma surgeons. “She was so knowledgeable and well respected,” Lewis recalls. “She drew me into the idea of one day pursuing a career as a nurse practitioner.”

Another big piece of Lewis’ career path came together in 2018. “I accepted a position as an operating room circulator,” she notes. “In my new role, I was exposed to urology and began to learn about the different issues that can affect the urinary system, along with the treatments used to help patients live better.”

Lewis admits she is still inspired by this experience. “It really instilled the foundation for the way I approach patient care today. I always want to create an open space where patients can be comfortable discussing their urologic concerns without feeling self-conscious. It’s important to me that I’m able to build a relationship with the people who entrust me with their care.”

Along with open communication, Lewis is passionate about helping others better understand their health. “Open communication paves the way for education and teaching. Both can empower patients to make good decisions about their health.”

Her love for education sparked the certified nurse practitioner’s return to school. Lewis earned her Master of Science in Nursing from United States University in June, 2021.

When she isn’t caring for patients, Lewis enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing games and enjoying outdoor activities.