From an early age, Conkin knew she wanted to be a nurse following in her aunt’s footsteps. Conkin was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes the week before she started college which solidified her dedication to becoming a nurse.

“Having diabetes is something you must work to actively manage every day,” said Conkin. “You have to think about what you eat and consider a variety of lifestyle choices. I know because I too have diabetes and I have to work every day to manage mine.”

Conkin believes the key to helping patients is first understanding where they are in their journey to manage their condition and meeting them there. “Once I know where a patient is in understanding their condition, then we can work together to create an individual plan that meets their needs and helps them achieve their goals. A diabetic myself, I understand the struggles my patients face, and we can relate to one another,” said Conkin.

Conkin comes to HMG from a Ballad Health facility where she worked in the emergency department. She obtained her Master of Science in Nursing from King University (Bristol, VA.) and her Bachelor of Nursing at ETSU (Johnson City, Tenn.)

Conkin and her husband are both Kingsport natives and have one daughter and one son. She volunteers her time working at the Providence Clinic in Kingsport, which is a free-faith-based medical clinic offering acute and primary medical care to those who fall below poverty guidelines. Conkin enjoys hiking with her family and trips to the beach.