From Scrubs to Snow Cones

Megan Nelson, APRN, FNP-C, may be a newer face at Patterson Health Center, but she’s no stranger to serving her community. This summer, she’s doing it in a whole new way: with a snow cone truck she’s dreamed of since childhood.

“I have wanted to have a snow cone business since I was a little kid,” Nelson said. “We had the opportunity to purchase what was Crazy G’s last year and decided it would be a great way for the kids and their friends to make summer money.”

Now a family medicine provider at Patterson Health Center, Nelson’s journey into healthcare began in 2008 as an ER and trauma nurse at Via Christi St. Francis. She also served as a flight nurse during those years - all while pursuing her advanced practice nursing degree.

Her latest venture, Double Diamond Shaved Ice, may be miles away from the clinic, but it’s still rooted in purpose and heart. Named after her boyfriend Nick Ricke’s cattle herd, the truck is fully rebranded and licensed, with nearly 35 flavors ready to serve - including sugar-free options. The real operators? Her kids and their friends, who are running the truck to earn money and learn the ropes of small business.

“The kids have been practicing concocting various mixtures of flavors,” Nelson said. “Tigers Blood is the best, though!”

Double Diamond has already made its debut in Medicine Lodge and plans to set up regularly at Joe’s Car Wash in Harper, Dark Oil in Medicine Lodge, and Bulldog Supply in Attica. You’ll also find it at the Attica Rodeo, Anthony Lake’s 4th of July celebration.

She's also thrilled to bring it to Patterson Health Center on June 17.

“It will be a good opportunity for my colleagues to meet my kids and vice versa,” Nelson said. “It’s a family affair.”

Whether she’s delivering primary care in the clinic, working a shift in the ER, or cheering on her kids from the side of a snow cone truck, Megan Nelson continues to serve the community in every season - with grit, heart, and a little extra syrup on top.