Tribute to Women: Jenni Hedrick
/Since Jenni Hedrick was a student in nursing school at the University of Arkansas, she dreamt of working in labor and delivery. “It is my passion,” she said. After graduating with her BSN, she returned to her hometown of Texarkana, where she was hired at CHRISTUS St. Michael Hospital on the postpartum and pediatric unit—but transferred to L&D a few years later, as soon as a position became available.
photo by shane darby
While she loved patient care, Jenni knew that she wanted to step into a leadership role and would need more education. To that end, in 2016, she began working toward her master’s in nursing at Texas A&M University–Texarkana. Unexpectedly, while studying, she discovered a new facet of her interest in nursing.
“I became passionate about the academia side of nursing,” she said. “I stepped away from the bedside and worked for Texas A&M–Texarkana as the Simulation Lab coordinator. And, after receiving my master’s degree, I became a nursing instructor.”
“It is an honor to lead nurses who also have that same passion and appreciation for our profession.”
A talented educator, Jenni was expected by many to remain in academia. But one year, during the university’s winter break, Jenni took a short-term nursing contract at the hospital. “I realized how much I missed being at the hospital,” she said. So, in 2022, she returned to CHRISTUS St. Michael, as the RN project manager. In 2023, she stepped into her current role: the clinical director of labor and delivery.
“L&D is my passion,” she said. “It is an honor to lead nurses who also have that same passion and appreciation for our profession.”
Jenni cites earning her master’s degree in 2019 as her greatest professional accomplishment to-date. While pursuing her degree, she was raising two small children and experienced the loss of her father, Rick Lindsey.
“Losing my dad to lung cancer would have to be my biggest challenge,” she said. “I am very thankful for my parents raising me in a Christian home. My faith in something so much bigger than me and [bigger than] cancer is what got me through very hard days.”
Jenni is married to her high school sweetheart, Taylor. “I’ve spent more of my life with him than without him,” she said. They have two children: Anna Leigh (10) and Lincoln (7). “Through motherhood,” Jenni reflected, “I learned a love I didn’t know existed—a stronger love for Taylor, a more appreciative love for my parents and how precious life is.”
Jenni is the clinical director of labor and delivery at CHRISTUS St. Michael. “L&D is my passion,” she said.
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The Hedricks are members of Williams Memorial United Methodist Church, where Jenni works with the youth. She loves giving back in this way, as attending youth group when she was young was formative. “My church youth group was very special to me growing up,” she said. “It was a smaller youth group with kids who were brought up the same way I was.”
When not delivering babies, caring for her two children, or serving teenagers at church, Jenni fills her time with active family fun. “I am not the type to just sit at home,” she said. “We find ourselves always on-the-go. My favorite moments are spent on the water. The lake, river, beach, or pool—those moments are my favorite.”
FSLM ASKED JENNI…
What book are you currently reading? The Women by Kristin Hannah.
What are your favorite local spots to spend time? I love all things downtown: brunch at Café Lucille; dinner at Pecan Point, Zapatas, or Verona; events at Crossties.
Name a girl or woman you admire. My 10-year-old daughter, Anna Leigh. She makes me want to be the best version of myself. She has such a beautiful heart. She is observant. She is bold and outspoken. She is giving.
Each woman featured in this issue was chosen by an honoree from last year’s Tribute to Women to be recognized for their extraordinary contributions to the Texarkana community.
photo by shane darby
Nicole Fant’s Words:
In the six years I have known Jenni, I have seen her compassion for her community and the field of nursing. As a former faculty member and fellow Texas A&M University–Texarkana alumna, Jenni has taken her MSN in nursing administration to prepare nursing students for the future of nursing. She continues to have a positive impact on the nurses she leads at CHRISTUS St. Michael. Jenni’s love for Christ, for others, and genuine concern for the goodness for everyone is inspiring.