Shanette Griffith’s mother was a nurse. But like other young people, Shanette was determined not to be like her mother.  

Yet today, Shanette is a nurse. She is a licensed practical nurse caring for Hannibal Clinic’s rheumatology and endocrinology patients. And it is because of her mother. But not for the obvious reason. Shanette became a nurse because her mother strongly encouraged her to enlist in the military after high school, due to an unplanned pregnancy.

Before her mother passed away, Shanette thanked her. “It was the best decision my mother made for my life.”

After 10 years as a supply clerk in the Army, Shanette was looking for a change and became a medic. She performed her medic duties in Greentop, Missouri, and Fort Sam Houston, Texas, prior to a tour in Iraq. 

“I just gave it a shot, after working as a CNA in nursing homes, to see if I would like it and I have loved nursing since.” 

While it took her a decade to figure it out, Shanette was born to be a nurse. 

“I am very much a people person. I like helping people, taking care of them, putting smiles on their faces.  That’s just who I am.” 

After receiving her medic education through the Army and completing her military service, Shanette worked at Hannibal Clinic from 2006-2009, then at Riverside Dermatology and Luther Manor Nursing Home in Hannibal for the following 13 years. She returned to Hannibal Clinic in October 2019.  

In addition to having the heart of a servant, Shanette is a life-long learner. At 50 years old, she is currently taking classes to earn her license as a registered nurse, with a tentative graduation date of September 2024. 

She is also working to help address the nursing shortage. One of her four children will soon join Hannibal Clinic as a certified medical assistant (CMA) in cardiology. 

“I want my children to progress in life, just as my mother wanted for me.” Shanette said of her daughter’s medical career. “She started at Riverside Dermatology as a receptionist when I was there. Then, I encouraged her to become a CMA, I will convince her to further her education to become an LPN.” 

As with her daughter, Shanette would encourage others to become a nurse, if they have a heart of gold, a bright smile, an ear to listen and patience

“You have to love being a nurse to work as a nurse.”

Heather Hopewood, LPN, clinic office manager, says Shanette not only has the right qualities as a nurse, but as an employee, too. 

“If she knows a coworker needs help, she does not wait for them to ask her for help. She’ll volunteer first. A lot of people wait to be asked to help, Shanette just jumps right in, which is a good quality you don't see too often. " 

“She not only has a good rapport with her patients, but also her providers. Respect is mutual with them an that’s what makes her office run smoothly, while having fun."