Atlanta, GA,
14
November
2022
|
17:27 PM
America/New_York

Making a Difference in Patients’ Lives

Patient Care Technician Luckie Wilkins explains why he loves his job after nearly 14 years with Shepherd Center.

How long have you worked at Shepherd Center?

I’ve worked at Shepherd Center for nearly 14 years as a patient care technician (PCT).

What does a typical day as a PCT look like for you?

We do a little bit of everything! That includes assisting patients with their bedside care and their therapy, keeping patients in good spirits during difficult times, and overall, assisting our nursing staff with anything they need.

How did you know you wanted to be a PCT?

Many years ago, my grandmother was hospitalized for something minor and did not receive the basic bedside care she needed. During that time, I was working in a nursing home as a ground field technician, and I noticed the lack of care there as well.

Based on those experiences, I set it in my heart to make a difference in someone’s life. I remember asking God to put me in a hospital environment where I could help. He did! I started off working as an environmental service technician, and from there, I began working as an operating room (OR) technician. Seeing what nurses did in the OR inspired me to pursue a career in nursing. Now I'm a PCT, and nursing is always in my heart. 

What types of patients do you see?

I’m what is known as a “floater” because I float to every department wherever I’m needed. Because of that, I get to see all kinds of patients across our inpatient brain injury, spinal cord injury, and critical/intensive care units.

In your experience, what makes Shepherd Center unique?

I can see the difference in the care that we give to our patients, and I love that.  When a patient enters our doors, we immediately begin preparing them for what's to come. They may not love to participate in therapy at that moment, but they love it over time. It is motivation that makes progress. 

Looking back at where they were when they started to how much they improve while they are with us is nothing short of a miracle. We do amazing things here and I'm proud to be a part of that. I've teared up multiple times over the years when I saw how beautifully the progress has gone!

What do you love most about your job?

Believe it or not, Shepherd Center staff are like family. I could be successful here if it weren’t for my colleagues. We are each other’s comfort, each other’s friends, and each other’s support.

Interesting Facts

Education
Patient Care Technician
Certified Medical Technician

Fun Facts

  • He may go by Luckie, but his actual first name is Lamont. Luckie is his dad’s last name, and Wilkins is his mom’s last name. He says he loves going by Luckie for many reasons, including the positive reaction he gets from his patients and especially family members!
  • Luckie has become Shepherd Center’s unofficial go-to barber for patients. He often gets emails and texts from colleagues when patients need haircuts.
  • Luckie DJs and has even DJed Shepherd Center holiday parties in the past!

About Shepherd Center

Shepherd Center provides world-class clinical care, research, and family support for people experiencing the most complex conditions, including spinal cord and brain injuries, multi-trauma, traumatic amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and pain. An elite center recognized as both Spinal Cord Injury and Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems, Shepherd Center is ranked by U.S. News as one of the nation’s top hospitals for rehabilitation. Shepherd Center treats thousands of patients annually with unmatched expertise and unwavering compassion to help them begin again.