Methodist Healthcare Nurse Finds Strength in Recovery After Crash

Alex Karnes, an emergency room nurse at Methodist Hospital Texsan, is used to being the one caring for others. But this fall, she found herself on the other side of the bedside after a motorcycle crash left her with multiple fractures and significant internal injuries. 

Alex was on her way to work, riding along Vance Jackson, when her motorcycle hit an unexpected patch of gravel on a familiar curve. She lost control, hit the curb and was thrown from the bike. She remembers the moment she landed. 

“I immediately knew something was seriously wrong,” she said. She could feel her legs but had no strength in them. She struggled to breathe and rolled onto her back using only her arms. Staying alert, she removed her helmet to breathe more easily and instructed bystanders to call 911. She also called her manager to let her know she wouldn’t be in for her shift. 

When paramedics arrived, her blood pressure was 70/30 and her heart rate was around 150. She later learned she had fractured her spine, pelvis, and wrist and was bleeding internally. She received emergency blood transfusions after being transferred for higher-level trauma care. 

Despite the severity of her injuries, one thing encouraged her from the start: she had sensation in her legs. “I knew I was going to walk again,” she said. “If I hadn’t had that, I think the mental part would have been much harder.” 

Everything changed when she arrived at Methodist Rehabilitation Hospital Texsan. 

Methodist Rehabilitation Hospital Texsan is a freestanding facility offering high-quality inpatient rehabilitation services for patients recovering from traumatic injuries, surgeries, or other disabling conditions. Recently celebrating its one-year anniversary, the hospital falls under Methodist Hospital Texsan, where Alex works — meaning her recovery is happening within the same health system she proudly serves. 

“Within a week here, I made more progress than I had the entire time before,” Alex said. “I went from needing a bedpan to being able to get to the bathroom. I went from being bedbound to being able to shower. I’ve just made so much progress.” 

Alex said the difference has been the team. 

“The care here has been the best,” she said. “The therapists know exactly what I need to improve. The nurses stay on top of my pain and make sure I can keep progressing. I had high expectations coming in, and they’ve exceeded them.” 

Her drive comes from a simple goal: returning to the ER. “I love my job. I miss it so much,” she said. “My final boss level is getting strong enough to get back to work.” 

Friends, coworkers and leaders at Texsan have been regular sources of encouragement. Her director involved her in planning for Nurses Week shortly after the accident, including using Alex’s idea for a Toy Story–themed “green army men” dress-up day. “I was excited to feel like I was part of it,” she said. 

Her dog, Cocoa Puff, has been another motivation. “I just want to get home and get back to my normal life,” she said. 

Through her journey, Alex has found greater empathy for patients she once cared for. 

“Going from the person caring for others to being the one who needs help — it gives you a whole new perspective,” she said. 

For anyone facing a long recovery, Alex offers simple advice: keep your goals in front of you and don’t quit, even when progress feels slow. 

“It’s hard. But you just have to keep pushing,” she said. “Lean on your support system and don’t give up.” 

As she continues building strength, she remains focused on walking, going home and stepping back into the ER — this time on the other side of healing.