As a child I spent a lot of time in hospitals, that is where my interest in medicine first started. I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when I was 10. I loved the time the nurses were able to spend with me. I loved that every day was a new challenge, no two days were ever the same. I loved learning how the body worked and changed over time. I think one of the things that has kept me in medicine, and that I love the most, is that it is always changing. Treatments evolve, discoveries are made, patient needs change, new medications become available. There is a constant desire to improve. I feel like now is a good time for me to evolve in my career. I want to use what I have learned as a healthcare provider with 23 years of experience …show more content…
I have worked in the healthcare field now for 23 years. I worked for 2 years as an LPN in a Veteran Affairs Hospital. Following my BSN graduation, I worked as an RN in a variety of specialties before deciding I was ready to advance my knowledge with an MSN degree. I have worked as an FNP in a variety of settings for the past 10+ years.
I have spent my entire life hearing discussions related to the challenges of mental health as a profession and the satisfaction that comes from helping others. My father is a Child Psychologist, my mother is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I have two sisters who work in the mental health care field. I have six children, so I have a specific interest in working with young children and teens. I feel like one of the reasons I am able to successfully offer my patients who are seeking informal counseling in my current position is because I have a lot of life experience. Each challenge I have faced has only made me a stronger person. My current position as an APRN includes managing the Occupational Medicine Department at a manufacturing plant. In this role I have been able to practice a variety of aspects related to patient health. Much of my practice is related to occupational injuries and recovery. I also offer acute care, minimal chronic med management, a lot of health education, health/wellness/preventative issues and on occasion