Vickie Hodges: A lifetime of dedication in the OR

Vickie Hodges, the embodiment of elegance and professionalism and supported by members of her operating room (OR) staff and her sister-in-law, was honored for an extraordinary 50-year career at UNC Health Blue Ridge’s Night of Gratitude on Thursday.

Hodges has been a pillar of the surgical team at Valdese Hospital, dedicating her life to patient care and the continuous evolution of the medical field.

A Hickory native, Hodges’ journey into the operating room began at Catawba Valley Community College, where she earned her associate degree. In 1973, she started a clinical rotation at then-Grace Hospital, which had recently relocated from its original site on College Street to South Sterling Street. A year later, in February 1974, she officially joined Blue Ridge, a decision that would define the next five decades of her life.

One of the first to arrive each morning to prepare for the day’s surgeries, Hodges doesn’t seek recognition or accolades. “I do this work because it changes and saves lives,” she shared.

Her role has required vigilance, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. Throughout her career, she has witnessed significant advancements in surgical practices, techniques, and equipment.

In her time at Valdese, she has gained experience with just about every type of case that an operating room may see. She has even been around long enough to recall when UNC Health Blue Ridge performed neurosurgical procedures. Even when potentially dangerous and fatal surgeries are scheduled, Hodges always steps up to the task.

Dr. Howard Hall, who frequently works alongside Hodges, described her as an irreplaceable force in the OR. “She knows every instrument, every protocol, and anticipates what a surgeon needs before they do,” he remarked. “It’s like having a surgical MacGyver at your side.”

Hall recounted how she often arrives at 4 a.m., long before clock-in, to check defibrillators and ensure every detail in the OR is meticulously prepared.

Her ability to maintain an almost encyclopedic knowledge of surgical tools and procedures that rivals even ChatGPT has earned her widespread admiration among her staff.

The Joint Commission is a national accrediting body that evaluates hospitals across North Carolina to improve patient safety and quality of care through unannounced on-site visits. For most medical systems it is a time of crossing T’s and dotting I’s, but for Hodges, it’s a time to show off the high-caliber condition of the Valdese operating room and outpatient care.

Hall joked that after the Joint Commission leave they have actually learned more ways to evaluate hospitals from the questions Hodges turns on them.

Despite moments where retirement crossed her mind, Hodges has never been able to step away from the fast-paced environment of the OR. She thrives on the teamwork, the required precision, and, most importantly, the impact she has on patient outcomes.

In this stage of her career, she has found new joy in teaching and mentoring young OR staff, sharing techniques and insights that make the surgical unit run more smoothly.

“Recently I was asked to come teach at the Morganton campus and I jumped at the opportunity,” she said.

For Hodges, the OR is not just a workplace — it’s a tightly knit community.

“We don’t have to speak to know what’s needed,” she said, explaining the seamless coordination between team members. “A simple gesture of my finger to the left is enough for my colleagues to know which tool to bring or how to adjust the lights.”

When asked to offer advice to newcomers, Hodges emphasized the importance of lifelong learning. “No matter your experience or age, always be open to new knowledge. In an OR, where everything must function flawlessly, you have to stay sharp and adapt.”

The role of a surgical technician is often placed in high-stress environments. Hodges emphasized the importance of taking moments to step back and recharge. “Enjoy your breaks, even if it’s just a moment, use it to breathe so that you can step back in the OR with a focus on the patient”.

Despite the high-stakes environment of the OR, Hodges cherishes the lighthearted moments that bring laughter amidst the intensity. She reminisced about a time she tripped during surgery and fell so hard that Dr. Hall jokingly suggested she should be wrapped in bubble wrap for her own safety.

Smiling, she also recalled a particularly unforgettable colectomy where the presiding doctor accidentally flushed the colon down the toilet.

“It sounded like a screaming cat,” she laughed, a reminder that even in the most serious of settings, humor has a way of keeping spirits high.

Dr. Hall summed up Hodges’ essence beautifully: “She brings joy to the OR — not just the emotion, but the deep, unwavering confidence that what we do here matters. Her presence has been a gift to this hospital, and we are all better for it.”