America’s Best in Medicine: Shayla K. Bratcher, A Beacon of Leadership at Jack C. Montgomery VA

(Isstories Editorial):- Muskogee, Oklahoma Jan 1, 2026 (Issuewire.com) – Muskogee, Oklahoma – Shayla K. Bratcher, MSN, BSN, RN, is a dedicated Nursing Manager at the Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center, where she leads with compassion, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to veterans’ care. Guided by Abraham Lincoln’s enduring promise “to care for him who shall have borne the battle,” Shayla reflects on her remarkable journey, a testament to resilience and hard work. 

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Shayla’s path to nursing is rooted in personal struggle. Before embarking on her nursing career, she faced significant challenges as a drug addict. In a dark place, Shayla found the strength to get clean and pursue her nursing education, a journey met with doubt from many around her. However, her tenacity and dedication proved them wrong, allowing her to show not only her potential but also her commitment to helping others. Today, Shayla takes immense pride in ensuring that veterans receive the care they deserve, feeling a profound connection to this noble mission.

Since joining the VA, Shayla has developed a deep passion for caring for veterans, viewing her work not merely as a job but as a calling. Her leadership style emphasizes teamwork, accountability, and empathy, fostering an environment where both patients and staff feel valued and supported. “Caring for Veterans, leading a great team caring for our Veterans at the bedside, empowering my nursing team for excellence in caring for their patients–this is what drives me,” Shayla states. “As a leader, I strive to ensure that high standards of care are consistently met and exceeded, not only with myself but with my team members.”

Shayla’s educational background is impressive. She holds an Associate of Applied Science from Eastern Oklahoma College, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Bacone College, and a Master of Science in Nursing Leadership and Management from Western Governors University. This educational foundation allows her to combine advanced clinical expertise with strategic insight to improve operational efficiency and patient outcomes. Her experience spans hands-on patient care and nursing administration, providing her with a holistic understanding of healthcare delivery.

In her managerial role, Shayla prioritizes continuous growth and education for her team members, ensuring that high standards of care are not only met but consistently exceeded. Her commitment to professional development is evident through her active memberships in numerous organizations, including the American Nurses Association (ANA), the Oklahoma Nurses Association (ONA), the International Nurses Society (INS), the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL), and the National Honor Society. These affiliations keep her engaged with evolving best practices and healthcare leadership initiatives.

Shayla’s honors and awards include the Daisy Award (2019), Facility Pathway to Excellence Project Winner for Bedside Rounding (2020), VA Secretary Award for Nursing Excellence Expanded Role (2022), Military Award of the Purple Heart for Nursing Excellence (2022), Oklahoma Great 100 Nurse Award (2023), and completion of the Oklahoma VA Leadership Program (2025). These accolades reflect her unwavering commitment to clinical excellence, innovation, and leadership in nursing.

Devoted to community service, Shayla participates in various volunteer efforts such as the Clean Up Muskogee Crew and precepting local BSN and MSN students. Her involvement in events like Night to Shine and the Reach Foundation Halloween Hayride for Seminole House showcases her commitment to uplifting her community.

Driven by a personal passion for lifelong learning and service, Shayla approaches every challenge with determination and a belief in meaningful leadership rooted in listening, empathy, and action. As she looks to the future, her vision is clear: to continue growing within the VA system and strengthening programs that honor veterans through quality care, innovation, and respect. “This is not just a job, but a journey,” Shayla affirms, embodying the spirit of dedication and service that defines her career.

Learn more about Shayla K. Bratcher:

Through her America’s Best in Medicine profile, https://americasbestinmedicine.com/connect/shayla-bratcher

America’s Best in Medicine

America’s Best in Medicine is a specialist online platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of leading healthcare professionals across the United States. They bring together top healthcare providers from all specialties and cities to share expert-driven articles, research, commentary, and clinical insight. Their core purposes are to showcase excellence in healthcare, build trust between providers and the public, and ensure that expert voices are elevated and heard in shaping medicine. Through their platform, users can access a community of leaders, opportunities for providers to share expertise, and trusted guidance for patients and peers alike.

This article was originally published by IssueWire. Read the original article here.