Meet our Providers: Connie Anderson, FNP

Our Family Nurse Practitioners: Vital to Rural Healthcare

The first advanced education program for nursing in the United States began in the 1960s as the demand for primary care began to grow beyond the number of physicians available to provide it. Today the need for primary care remains greater than ever due to an aging population and many new individuals with healthcare coverage as a result of Accountable Care Act.

In Atchison and Holt Counties, mid-level providers have been a mainstay of the healthcare team for many years. In Missouri, family nurse practitioners can meet many primary care needs and each FNP has a collaborative practice agreement with a physician. Mid level providers extend the reach of physicians, provide emergency care and fulfill specialized roles like pediatric care. The relationship Family Nurse Practitioners have with CH-F physicians also ensures patients have a quick and efficient avenue to the physician when needed.

Meet Connie Anderson, FNP

Connie Anderson, FNP brings a unique perspective to the CH-F team after running her own clinic while serving in the U.S. Army in Iraq during 2007 and 2008. While in Iraq, she provided primary care for both military and contract workers.

“Because I ran a clinic there, I have become more assertive and confident as a nurse practitioner, but at the same time, I have become more compassionate, because I experienced so much in Iraq,” she said.

Connie has been a nurse since 1970 and a FNP since 2004. She enjoys working at the CH-F Emergency Room because of the relationship among providers.

“There is a great connection between nurse practitioners and physicians. We are a great team,” explained Connie.

Connie is also a mom and grandma and makes her home in Maryville, Mo.