Katelyn Yoder, NP

Katelyn Yoder knew from a young age that she wanted to be in the medical field, particularly nursing. “My mom always wanted to be a nurse,” Katelyn says. “I looked up to her, so it piqued my interest.” In high school she had the opportunity to shadow a nurse and decided then and there on her career path. “Before I finished nursing school, I knew I would be back to fulfill my ultimate goal of becoming a Nurse Practitioner.”

At Beacon Bone & Joint Specialists, Katelyn assists orthopedic surgeons in the operating room and visits patients who are staying in the hospital before or after surgery. “I ensure they have everything they need, including proper pain medications, antibiotics and follow-up instructions. I also spend time in the clinic seeing patients.”

Katelyn has always been fascinated by the operating room where she says there is never a dull moment. She has been with Beacon for nine years and counting. “I look forward to continuing my career here in a new field of practice,” she said. “Beacon feels like home.”

Continuous learning is always top of mind for Katelyn. “Medicine is an area where learning never stops. Staying up-to-date on the latest evidence is beneficial for my patients,” she says. “It’s also essential to keep an open mind in order to provide individualized, holistic care. One size does not fit all in the medical field.”

In her own words…

Who is or was the most influential person/role model in your life? My mother and sister are the most influential people in my life.

What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it? My first job was at Celebrations Unlimited, a reception hall, where I helped serve meals and clean up. I remember being allowed to bring food home in take-out boxes.

What is your favorite food? Movie? My favorite is Mexican food. I love tacos and chips and salsa. I don’t have one favorite movie. I like a variety of them. Everything from The Avengers to Step Brothers. I love comedies, romance and drama, but I do not like horror movies.

What were your best/worst subjects in school growing up? My best subjects were science and reading. My worst were advanced math classes.

If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why? Shonda Rhimes, because she has written and produced the most ingenious TV shows to ever exist: Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal. In my opinion, she’s brilliant and a strong female role model.

In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? I’m passionate about my children. I love being a mother to my two beautiful kids – a newborn baby girl and a four-year old son – and my wonderful stepsons who are six and ten.