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From tending scraped knees to rescuing kittens born in boxes, Sanders became \u201cthe nurse for everybody and every critter.\u201d That instinct to nurture never left her \u2014 it simply grew stronger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sanders moved to Lincoln County as a young girl and never left. She has spent more than 21 years caring for families, watching generations grow, and finding joy in the relationships that blossom between visits and milestones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy favorite part of my job is being part of people\u2019s lives from the very beginning and watching them grow,\u201d she said. \u201cI love when my little patients invite me to their school plays or come hug me at the grocery store. I\u2019ve even seen some of the kids I cared for go off to college \u2014 and a few of them have gone into nursing themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sanders began her formal education at Motlow State Community College, earning her associate degree in nursing before continuing on to earn both her bachelor\u2019s and master\u2019s degrees in nursing from the University of Alabama in Huntsville.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy family, friends, mentors, and life experiences taught me how to love and support people,\u201d she said. \u201cMy education taught me the science behind the care \u2014 how to apply it so people can truly be their best.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sanders said the blend of heart and science made her the nurse she is today. \u201cBoth programs were tough,\u201d she added. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThey sparked my curiosity for learning. The human body is fascinating. I\u2019m always reading something new, learning something new.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sanders\u2019 career began in labor and delivery, a chapter she describes as foundational. \u201cTo be there when a baby takes its first breath \u2014 to see a woman become a mother, a man become a father \u2014 it\u2019s so meaningful,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNow, working in pediatrics, I get to see those same babies grow up. It\u2019s like watching the story continue.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n She has also served families through home health, providing care at the end of life\u2019s journey. \u201cThose moments define us,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cCaring for families at both ends of the spectrum gives me balance and reminds me what really matters.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a family nurse practitioner, Sanders believes medicine is only part of the story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMedicine is just a tool. What matters most is being part of people\u2019s lives \u2014 cheering for their victories, helping them overcome barriers, and watching them thrive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI love my patients, and I hope they feel that every time they see me. The clinical expertise comes in when I listen \u2014 really listen \u2014 and help them reach their goals. That\u2019s what makes health care meaningful.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sanders\u2019 faith is the steady undercurrent of her work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIn my walk with Christ, I try to model His love and care every day. My faith gives me peace in the hard and stressful times. It grounds me. It feeds my soul.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a mother of four boys and a new daughter-in-law, Sanders finds joy in simple things \u2014 hiking, picnics, and noticing the beauty in nature. \u201cI love to be outside,\u201d she said. \u201cI find joy in little things \u2014 a wildflower, an oddly shaped tree, or a funny story. It\u2019s like a treasure hunt for gratitude.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n After more than two decades in health care, Sanders offers one simple piece of advice to new nurses: \u201cNever stop learning and growing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n When asked what healing our community means to her, Sanders paused. Then she smiled and said, \u201cIt\u2019s taking care of family \u2014 our big, extended community family. It takes all of us to make that happen. We all help each other heal in our own little ways.\u201d GN<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" FOR MORE than two decades, Kristie Sanders has devoted her heart and hands to the people of Lincoln County. Her story is one of faith, compassion, and continuity \u2014 a nurse whose care flows not only from clinical expertise but also from the deep love she has cultivated for her community since childhood. Sanders\u2019 love […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":195,"featured_media":25011,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-25009","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-stories"],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/goodnewsmags.com\/fayetteville\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2025\/12\/2-7-1024x683.jpg\")
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