30 Dec 2023 Five-Oh-Ones to Watch 2024: Jenny Beth Burroughs, Conway Regional Health System

Jenny Beth Burroughs’ friends describe her as hardworking, resourceful and adventurous. It’s clear after speaking with her for just a few minutes that these things are true and that she is more than deserving of the Five-Oh-Ones to Watch honor.

Burroughs had a modest upbringing in a rural town in Louisiana. She always knew she wanted to do something different, and she was internally motivated to make a better life for herself. That drive and determination is what led her into the medical field. “It was 20 years ago when I went to scrub tech school, and at the time it wasn’t very common. I just wanted to do something that no one else was doing, so I went for it,” Burroughs said.

After working for six years as a scrub tech, she returned to school to become a Registered Nurse and has worked her way up through several positions in the operating room. She is now the surgical services manager at Conway Regional Medical Center. She oversees day-to-day operations in surgery services, including managing around 75 employees. “I’ve always been a leader, and I’ve always liked science and been attracted to hands-on work,” she said.

When she isn’t working, Burroughs can be found enjoying one of the many hiking trails around Central Arkansas or popping into a flea market along Highway 65 with her husband and two kids. “My kids and I love to be outdoors. We try to get out and hike as much as we can. Our favorite trails are at Petit Jean State Park,” said Burroughs.

She is also a leader in her church and community. “Organizations for kids have my heart. I want to be a part of giving kids what I didn’t have growing up,” said Burroughs. She’s organized food drives for homeless shelters, “stuff the bus” projects, and has been a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer. She calls upon her natural leadership skills to motivate those around her to participate.

“It’s not easy getting volunteers to take time away from what they do on the weekends and after work,” Burroughs said. “I have to be a motivator. I have to make people reach deep down and help them find their reason for wanting to give back.”

In her career, she has been inspired by her colleagues and mentors whom she has seen excel in their careers. What motivates her is her daughter. “She is my mini-me. I want her to see that she can do things for herself and that she does not have to depend on anyone to do it for her. Especially in her career,” said Burroughs, adding that she is already an aspiring surgeon at only 5 years old.

As for what the future holds for Burroughs, who describes herself as “highly motivated,” she is looking forward to continuing to excel in her position at Conway Regional. She is also on a mission to find an organization where she can be a more permanent volunteer. “Whatever I’m doing, I hope that I am glorifying God in some way throughout the day, every day.”