Gia Shelby, RN, BSN
Gia Shelby, RN, BSN is an experienced Registered Nurse with 28 years of expertise in operating room and surgical care, specializing in spine and orthopedic procedures. Her career began in the United States Army, where she gained foundational surgical skills and developed a disciplined approach to patient care. This early experience provided her with a strong clinical foundation and instilled a commitment to precision, teamwork, and excellence in high-stakes surgical environments.
After earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Central Methodist University, Gia completed an accelerated nursing program at Saint Louis University, earning her RN, BSN. She quickly transitioned into perioperative nursing, bringing both her academic background and military training to bear in complex surgical settings. Over the years, she has developed advanced skills in patient assessment, surgical support, and post-anesthesia care, establishing herself as a trusted and reliable presence in the operating room.
For the past 17 years, Gia has served as a Surgical Nurse at St. Louis Spine & Orthopedic Surgery Center, a physician-owned facility renowned for advanced spine and orthopedic procedures. She assists with complex cervical spine surgeries, including multi-level disc replacements, and works closely with leading surgeons whose research and clinical innovations have positioned the center at the forefront of spinal surgery. Gia finds it highly rewarding to be part of such precise, groundbreaking work that has a lasting impact on patients’ lives.
Beyond her technical expertise, Gia is known for her dedication to patient safety, mentorship of junior staff, and leadership within surgical teams. Her career reflects a lifelong commitment to excellence, continuous learning, and compassionate care, making her a respected professional in both military and civilian healthcare settings.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Saint Louis University, 1996
• Bachelor of Science in Biology, Central Methodist University, 1990–1992
• Associate of Arts (AA), Kemper Military School & College, 1988–1990
• Registered Nurse (RN)
• Advanced Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) – Basic and Advanced
• Recognized for excellence in surgical nursing and operating room care
• Army service recognition for military nursing
• US Army Medical Department (AMEDD) Alumni
• Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN)
• Mentorship of nursing staff and student nurses
• Community health initiatives and veteran support programs
Areas of Specialization/Expertise
- Cervical and multi-level spine surgery
- Orthopedic surgical procedures
- Preoperative and postoperative care
- Operating room workflow and patient safety
- Team leadership and mentoring in surgical settings
- Data collection, analysis, and critical thinking in surgical care
What do you enjoy most about practicing medicine?
I love working in the operating room, and I’ve been thriving in this environment for 28 years. Being part of complex procedures, particularly cervical spine disc replacements, is incredibly fulfilling. I work alongside world-renowned surgeons doing groundbreaking work that truly transforms patients’ lives, especially in situations where surgery can feel intimidating. The fact that I’ve been with the same surgery center for 17 years reflects how much I value the work we do and the impact we have on our patients.