Hello, my name is Julie Olexa. I have been working for the Southern Ute Tribe as a Registered Nurse since 2016, both as a Public Health and Clinic Nurse.  I previously worked as the Health Educator in the Shining Mountain Health & Wellness Program for five years, all together I have been working within the community since 2009.   

My career has always focused on assisting others. Prior to nursing, I worked as a Special Education Teacher in Oregon, Wyoming, and West Virginia.  In working with students with disabilities, my interest focused on the medical aspects of their care and coordination of the related health and wellness needs, services, and therapies.  I decided to expand my education into the health field, graduating with a Master of Public Health and Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees. 

My work in Public Health Programming focused on health promotion and disease prevention, mainly in rural areas and communities where people have difficulty with access to healthcare and preventive services.  I also worked as a Medical/Surgical RN at Southwest Memorial Hospital and Mercy Medical Center before returning to the SUIT. 

Additional training and education I have received includes Wound Care Certification, Health Care Case Management Certification, Chemotherapy administration, Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support, and X-Ray Technician. Currently I am working on certification in Infection Prevention and Control.   

Most days you can find me in the clinic working directly with patients in any of these aspects, and I am happy to help you with your health-related needs the best I am able.  It has been a wonderful experience working in this community and getting to know so many people here!